Annalise Murphy has won Ireland’s second silver medal of the Olympic Games.
The 26-year-old, who came in fourth in London four-years ago, finished fifth in the medal race in the Laser Radial to guarantee herself a silver medal.
The smile of a #Silver medal winner - ANNALISE MURPHY!!!!!!! #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/dgWKOYVSrv
— Team Ireland (@olympiccouncil) August 16, 2016
Murphy’s fifth place finish in today’s race was enough to see her move up one spot in the podium positions to claim silver.
The gold medal went to Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands with Anne-Marie Rindom of Denmark having to settle for third.
Murphy had to wait an extra 24 hours for her shot at glory after changeable conditions on Monday led to the medal race being postponed.
There were few signs of nerves when she returned to the Olympic waters the following day, starting strongly with gold becoming an increasing possibility as the race wore on.
Holland’s Marit Bouwmeester eventually edged top spot but Murphy, whose mother Cathy McAleavey competed in the 1988 Games as one half of Ireland’s 470 entry, was able to beat Anne-Marie Rindom to silver.
The Irish and Danish sailors celebrated their medals by jumping in the water together, with Murphy’s success her country’s first Olympic sailing medal since Moscow 1980, when David Wilkins and James Wilkinson took silver in the Flying Dutchman.
#MurphyMagic pic.twitter.com/SnkrDf38PZ
— Team Ireland (@olympiccouncil) August 16, 2016
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has congratulated Annalise on winning her medal, saying: “I wish to congratulate Annalise Murphy on an outstanding performance in winning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
“Winning Ireland’s first sailing medal in the Olympics since 1980 is a fantastic achievement and testament to Annalise’s hard work, dedication and talent.
“Following on from her fourth place finish in 2012, I am delighted for Annalise, her family and for Irish sailing, that she has won a silver medal – just rewards for the considerable sacrifices made in pursuit of this Olympic success.”
We couldn't be prouder! Medal Ceremony will be at 8:30 Irish time. First Irish sailing medal in 34 Years! #COYGIG https://t.co/uHQCHHDg8n
— Annalise Murphy (@Annalise_Murphy) August 16, 2016
Minister for Sport, Shane Ross, and Minister of State for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, also congratulated her.
Minister Ross said: “I am delighted for Annalise, we all know how determined she was to bring home a medal, after coming so close four years ago this is a fantastic achievement for her.
“Bouncing back from the disappointment of finishing fourth in London 2012 to become European Champion in 2013 to now achieving a silver medal at the Olympics is a wonderful endorsement for what can be achieved through hard work and talent. She has been so determined and she is a fantastic role model for all young athletes.”
Minister O’Donovan acknowledged the hard she put in to win the silver medal at Rio.
He said: “To become the first Irish female to win an Olympic medal in sailing and Ireland’s first medal in sailing since 1980 is magnificent for Annalise, Team Ireland and the country. It was great to hear her brother was able to be there to support her during this achievement.
“Her family and the sailing club in Dun Laoghaire I’m sure are immensely proud to see her on that podium. It has been a great few days on the water for Team Ireland and hopefully there will be many more successes to come.”
