Sophie Murphy qualified through the European Qualifier Trials.
33 female sailors competed in the Byte C11 Girls class, which was the European Qualifier Trials for the Youth Olympics Games 2010. Only the top 7 nations secured a place for Singapore in this event. Sophie finished as 6th Nation and therefore secure a place for Ireland at the inaugural Olympic Youth Games, which is open to 15-16 year olds.
The competition was very high at the European Qualifier as many of the competitors sail the Byte dinghy as their main boat in their respective countries.
Sophie competed in several European events in the last year but in a Laser. With no previous experience in the Byte class Sophie had to put in every conceivable effort possible to win her very well earned position and result.
Her father Malachy Murphy explained:
“she was able to remain very focused, despite an understandable amount of aprehension in a completely new boat!! She worked very hard to earn a place in the Irish Youth Olympic team. She is very very happy, and we are very very proud.”
The inaugural Youth Olympic Games Sailing events are being held in Singapore with Murphy the sole Irish sailor.
100 young sailors competing across four sailing events are taking part: Boys Windsurfer – Techno 293; Boys One Person Dinghy – Byte CII; ; Girls Windsurfer – Techno 293 and Girls One Person Dinghy – Byte CII
After 4 races Murphy lies in 22nd place with results to date:
14th,17th,21st,22nd places.
Sophie is back in action today following a rest day.
