Ten interesting Irish Olympians in London 2012

Unsung Irish Athletes in the Olympiad XXX

7. Peter O’Leary, Sailing (star class), Crosshaven, Co. Cork, David Burrows, The Malahide, Co. Dublin, @olearyburrows (Preliminary Races. July 29th, 12 pm)

This dynamic duo sailed their way to the games after a top 11 finish at the ISAF World Sailing Championships in Perth, Australia.  They are riding high on a wave of confidence having bested the current gold, silver, and bronze medalists in the event at the pre-olympic trials in Weymouth. The team is anchored by David Burrows, considered to be Ireland’s most adept international sailor, in his fourth Olympiad for Ireland.

8. Gavin Noble, Triathlon, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, @gavontwitt (August 7th, 11:30 am)

There is a picture of Gavin Noble when you look up the word “triathlete” in the Dictionary. Since 2002, he has reigned supreme in the event and has the distinction of being the first representative of Ireland to compete in the Triathlon at the Olympics. In preparation for the event, Noble reportedly spent time at the altitude house in Limerick.

9. Natalya Coyle, Pentathlon, Co. Meath, @ natalyacoyle (August 12th, 9am)

The Irish athlete partakes in the long and storied Olympic tradition of that of which is the pentathlon. The sport, celebrating its 100th anniversary at these games  is arguably the hardest in the games being a combination of shooting, running, riding. Not all at the same time but events scheduled on different days. The three-year veteran will return to Trinity college after the games to continue her studies in Business, Economics and Social Studies.

10. Chloe Magee, Badminton, Raphoe, County Donegal,  @chloemagee (July 28th  8:30 am)

Ms. Magee is the great Irish hope in the fast racket-based game. Ranked 55th in the world, she is a member of Ireland’s badminton dynasty as her brothers Sam (and frequent doubles partner) and Daniel join her on the national team. She looked to better her performance in 2008 Beijing, where she was routed in the second round.

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