Emma Davis represented Ireland in the women’s triathlon at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, becoming Ireland’s first ever Olympic triathlete.

From Bangor, Co. Down, Davis qualified for Beijing after her 15th place finish at the 2008 ITU World Triathlon Series World Championships secured sufficient ranking points – an achievement described at the time as remarkable given that no Irish triathlete had ever previously qualified for the Olympic Games.

She had performed consistently well throughout the qualifying season, rising to a world ranking of 72 and an Olympic ranking that placed her within the 68 qualification spots available. She was supported under the Irish Sports Council’s International Carding Scheme throughout her qualification campaign. Her achievement opened the door for a generation of Irish triathletes who followed her to the Games, including Aileen Morrison and Russell White.