NATALYA COYLE ENDED Irish involvement at London 2012 with one of her best ever showings in the Women’s Modern Pentathlon – securing ninth place in the process.
She was in 11th place after the one-on-one fencing jousts earlier in the day and came in 20th in the swimming discipline.
A superb ride on board Skinners Zed, in the riding section, saw the Meath athlete finish fifth and put her in 11th going into the final event – the combined running and shooting.
Coyle told TheScore.ie, “I can’t believe it. I came in here ranked in the 30s I’d say. I think I was 28th or 29th. The whole thing during the day of being in the top 15, personal bests, season’s bests and to come ninth in the end, I can’t really get my head around it. It is unbelievable.
“Being one of the last events in the games, it has been a long wait but I’m really happy. Hopefully I made everyone in Ireland proud as well, seeing out the games with a bang.” Coyle added:
I’m young still. I’m 21 and I’ve only been competing two years internationally and to be holding (my own), I’m really happy with it. I’ve such a good support staff and all the work they put in with me shows.
She is hopeful that the strong performances of herself and Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe, who competed in the men’s event on Saturday, will attract young athletes to the sport.
“It is such a good sport,” said Coyle. “Hopefully a lot of people in Ireland saw that today.”
Another good young prospect coming through.future is green.
@Paully kelly: he is not ours yet.
@Camacsaint: ahhh bollixs
Just cap him in case to turns out good, otherwise there’ll be endless 42 comments sections
Has said he wants to emulate his hero Declan Rice…
At West Ham.
Is he going to “think about my future” and declare for England?