Natalya Coyle, aged 19, from Co. Meath, is one of five recipients of Olympic scholarships presented by the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) to young athletes preparing for qualification for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Natalya, a Trinity College Dublin student, aims to represent Ireland at the Games in the sport of Modern Pentathlon. She joins Lisa Kearney (Judo), Aileen Morrison (Triathlon), Barry Watkins (Canoeing) and Sam Watson (Equestrian) on the OCI scheme.
Making the Olympic scholarship announcement, Pat Hickey, OCI President said, “Our scheme is primarily aimed at so-called minority sports and is especially geared to support young athletes who have an excellent chance of making the strenuous qualification standards for the London Games”.
“We are confident that all five athletes will make the Irish Olympic team for London and that the scholarships, to be used for training and competition purposes, will help them improve their already high competition rankings”.
Seen at the announcement were Pat Hickey and Natalya Coyle with Natalya’s competition horse, Mr. Mooch.
