Annalise Murphy is the unexpected Irish hero of the Olympic Games – as she sails within sight of a gold medal.

The 22-year-old from Dublin grabbed the headlines again on Tuesday when she won another two races in Laser Radial class.

That’s four out of four wins for Murphy on the waters at Weymouth as she sets out her stall for gold next weekend.

“It can’t get much better than winning the first four races,” said Murphy after winning race number four.

“I definitely enjoy it when it’s windy but I’m prepared for whatever I get. I’ve enjoyed the last two day’s races.

“It’s a big lead but all it takes is one race to change that. I’m just going to take it one race at a time. I’ve still got six fleet races and a medal race. I’m not confident I’ll make the medal race but I hope I will.

“I’m just trying to keep my head out of the sky and keep focussed.”

Fellow sailors David Burrows & Peter O’Leary finished 11th in both races on Tuesday and are now ninth overall.

Donegal badminton star Chloe Magee saw her hopes end on Tuesday when she was beaten by Pi Hongyan in the group stages.

Swimmer Grainne Murphy has withdrawn from the Games as the after effects from a bout of glandular fever earlier this year take their toll.