Olympic Test Event – Seaton & McGovern Qualify For Medal Race Final

Providence Team IRL sailors Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern have qualified for the 49er medal race final in the Olympic Test event in Rio de Janeiro. The Belfast pair will compete in the medal race final today after scoring two second places yesterday bringing them back up from 15th to 10th overall, thus claiming the final medal race place. The medal race final will take place under the iconic sugar loaf in Guanabara Bay at 18.30 (Irish time).

The test event in Rio gives the Irish sailors a final opportunity to familiarise themselves with the environment they will experience at the Olympics next year.

Commenting on their week and qualification, Matt and Ryan said: "We have only had 3 days of racing due to the light winds so we missed one day. We got off to a good start, though the second day of racing we struggled to get our strategy right with the tricky race course, lots of changing wind and tide. Yesterday we got to 2nd places and an 11th which really got us back in the overalls. We have had a hard week, though we have learnt from our mistakes and we have shown yesterday that we can perform and beat All the best guys. This is a real boost for next year, that's when it really counts!"

Commenting on the team and their progress, ISA Performance Director, James O'Callaghan said:
"Matt and Ryan have again proved their pedigree in a world class field to qualify for today's final. Having medal in world class races over the last number of years, they know what it takes to get to the top, and the hard work they have put in over the last year is now bearing fruit in what is a very challenging venue for sailors."