Sailors’ London hopes

IRISH sailing chiefs have targeted a medal at next year’s Olympic Games.

The sport’s High Performance Director James O’Callaghan yesterday revealed their objective was “a big statement, but that is where we are aiming for”.

“We are confident. We have had podium finishes at big events so it’s a claim which has some substance,” said O’Callaghan.

Ireland’s best hope is Peter O’Leary, a winner at the ISAF World Cup at Weymouth last year, a venue which hosts Olympic competition in 2012.The Crosshaven native competes in the Star Class alongside David Burrows.

Meanwhile Swimming High Performance Director Peter Banks expressed hopes that six competitors will secure the A standard for London, double the team sent to Beijing. Banks said: “I am very confident at this stage. I will find out next year if I will have to eat my words but we have the ability and talent.”