IRISH LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE Sculls duo Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy have today secured their place at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo by virtue of their winning today’s World Championship semi-final in Austria.
The pair finished in a time of 6:13.460, ahead of Germany and Norway to book both an Olympic berth and a place in the ‘A’ final, which takes place on Saturday, at 12.54pm.
O’Donovan and McCarthy are the first Irish crew to qualify for next year’s Olympics.
Elsewhere, Aileen Crowley and Monika Dukarska finished third in their semi-final; a top-two finish would have secured their Olympic qualification along with a place in the A final. They instead drop into the B final, where a top five finish will ensure Olympic qualification.
Ireland’s women’s four team of Tara Hanlon, Eimear Lambe, Aifric Keogh and Emily Hegarty came close to qualifying – they finished fourth in a semi-final that rewarded the top three with a slot at Tokyo. They will qualify for the games if the finish either first or second in the B final.
Gary O’Donovan, meanwhile, finished sixth in his semi-final in the lightweight single sculls. Lydia Heaphy also crossed the line in the same position at the end of her lightweight single semi-final.
This article was amended to correct the time and date given for the Lightweight Double Skulls final.
It’s a disgrace Stephanie Roche’s goal isn’t in there.
Agreed, Lisa De Vanna’s effort wasn’t better than Stephanie Roche… She should be on the list.. Some savage goals in there otherwise… Zlatan to win… His rocket goal for PSG this season in CL will be a contender next year too… Unbelievable player when he decides to make an effort.
It did not qualify for this year’s award
Well it is from July 2012 to July 2013. So it would be even more of a disgrace if it was selected!! Next year for her!
Zlatan. No question!
Where is van Persie’s tilte clinching volley against Aston Villa from Wayne Rooney’s pass? One of the purest volleys you will see.
Premier League goal of the season aswell.
Zlatan. No competition. Incredible goal
Has to be zlatan
Di Natale goal is class… I’m surprised he was never offered a big contract by a PL team to play in England.
Can’t see how Neymar’s is there compared to the others, lovely goal but just a volley outside the box?
I find it hard to believe there wasn’t better goals scored than his, i think fifas love affair with brazil and Barcelona may have something to do with it!
Stephanie Roche.
Neymars isn’t that great. Van persies is way better. But the matic goal for me.
No Mexes?
Luduena goal is class
That Nemanja Matic goal is awesome