James Espey has become the first Irish sailor to ensure his place at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil after qualifying for the Gold fleet in the Laser Standard class at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Spain.
The Co Down native turned in a series of solid performances in the first four races which has ensured his qualification for Rio, being 40th overall and within the top 49.
"James is building momentum. He’s jumped the qualification hurdle and will now be focusing on getting a personal best," enthused ISA Performance Director James O’Callaghan afterwards.
