With only three Team Ireland athletes in action on Wednesday, Day 12 of these Rio Olympics is the joint-quietest in terms of Irish preparation along with Sunday, the Games’ final day.
But there is still much to look forward to with three women making their first-ever Olympic appearances.
11.30am, Golf, Leona Maguire
The 21-year-old from Cavan showed she’s in good form with a strong showing at the recent British Open. Her twin sister Lisa is also an elite golfer, though she didn’t make these Games. Like the men’s golf last week, this is a straight 72-hole stroke play competition over four rounds, finishing on Saturday, with no cut.
(*Live on RTÉ News Now)
12.52pm, Golf, Stephanie Meadow
Meadow enjoyed a huge girls’ golf career in Ireland before heading to the United States to further her game and since turning professional she has risen steadily up the world rankings. Her best result to-date was third in the US Open two years ago, though his year she hasn’t managed any particularly memorable finishes.
2.55pm, Athletics, Ciara Everard
This is the Kilkenny physiotherapist’s first Olympics, though she is coached by former double Olympian James Nolan and his experience may prove invaluable. The 26-year-old hasn’t run anywhere near her personal best 2:01.21 this season and will be hoping to get close, or even beat that, as she goes in the 800m. She once fell into a frozen lake whilst warming-up for an indoor race in Belgium.
ATHLETICS
2.55pm: Ciara Everard - Women’s 800m, heat 1
GOLF
11.30am: Leona Maguire - Women’s Golf, round 1
12.52am: Stephanie Meadow - Women’s Golf, round 1
