Say what?
Annalise Murphy could well deliver Team Ireland’s first medal of Rio 2016 and she’ll do it in spite of an ailment that would have sent lesser sailors packing long before reaching Olympic levels.
Murphy finds herself in gold medal position after an enthralling day of racing on Wednesday that has taken us past the halfway mark in the event.
The Dubliner finished fifth and second in Wednesday’s two races and has revealed that she’s looking forward to Thursday, a rest day for the Laser classes.
Murphy, who just barely missed out on a medal at London 2012, continues her bid for gold in Rio on Friday and Saturday, with two races scheduled for each day.
The top 10 boats will then go forward to Monday’s medal race and Murphy is expected to be well in contention.
The 26-year-old was a picture of composure as she came ashore, when she spoke to RTÉ Sport and surprised many fans by admitting that she suffers from seasickness.
Seasick @Annalise_Murphy enjoying Rio experience https://t.co/0xtivQjV4X
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 10, 2016
“It was difficult out there, the waves were so big,” Murphy said.
“I get seasick, so I had to put seasickness bands on my wrists to stop me getting sick!
“I made a few mistakes in the first race which put me behind, but overall I’m just happy with how I’ve been racing and happy that I’m still being consistent.
“There are still four more races to go and then the medal race. Anything can happen.
“I was in this position in London as well and it didn’t end up the way I wanted it to.
“I think I just need to stick to the processes and what I’ve been doing so far because that’s been working and, hopefully, in two more days’ time I’ll be in the mix to get a medal.”
And while her calmness under pressure is amazing, all anybody could talk about was how surprising it was that Murphy is prone to getting seasick.
How gr8 is @Annalise_Murphy -she gets sea-sick & had to wear wristbands today but still leading! Only half-way but what a 🌟 @OfftheBenchNT
— clíona foley (@ponyyelof) August 10, 2016
She gets seasick?!! Amazing!! Keep up the brilliant work @Annalise_Murphy We're all behind you! #Olympics https://t.co/poCDHNBZw0
— Laura Clarke (@lclarke13) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/Gavoconnor/status/763494205075357696
@LiseannONeill and she gets seasick! Go Annalise!
— clíona foley (@ponyyelof) August 10, 2016
@Annalise_Murphy I still find it hilarious that you get seasick!! 😂
— Eanna Bailey (@eannabailey) August 10, 2016
Did a double take at the TV hearing Olympic sailor @Annalise_Murphy say she got sea sick. #wellinever #mustreallyloveboats
— Paul Murphy (@paumurp) August 10, 2016
So the Irish sailor competing in the Rio olympics gets sea sick? Really!#notajoke — feeling confused
— Nathan Bramwell (@nabramwell) August 10, 2016
Did #Rio2016 Sailing medal hope Analise Murphy just say she gets sea-sick?! #ahlads
— Kevin Mc Gillicuddy (@KMcGillicuddy86) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/Ocean_handrail/status/763492136507547649
