IRELAND’S EVE MCMAHON has secured a bronze medal at the ILCA 6 World Championships in Qingdao, China.
The Howth sailor made history as she secured her first senior medal: she became the first Irish female to medal at a senior world championships.
At a shortened championships due to weather conditions, McMahon was third overall after two events on the penultimate day of racing yesterday. The 22-year-old slipped back to sixth after finishing 14th in her third event, but climbed back up the leaderboard with a strong finish to proceedings.
McMahon finished top-six in each race, while also avoiding penalties, and achieved a total score of 38.0. France’s Louise Cervera took gold in the 99-boat fleet, while Agata Barwinska of Poland finished second.
The Dubliner is Ireland’s youngest ever Olympic sailor, having competed in Paris last summer. Her latest achievement is added to her growing roll of honour, with back-to-back Under 21 World Championship medals among the highlights.
“We were struggling in the last few events but we’ve worked really hard to fix that before coming to China,” said Irish Sailing coach Vasilij Zbogar.
“We spent time in Lymington training in (tidal) current with the British team and that really helped us fight for a medal — and get a medal.
“It was a really difficult day with very strong winds but Eve made three solid races. She is sailing really well and we’re looking forward to the days and months of competition ahead.”
Meanwhile, Finn Lynch and Ewan McMahon — brother of Eve — placed 15th and 19th respectively in the Men’s ILCA 7.
McMahon was seventh overall in the 138-boat event yesterday, but dropped back on the final day of racing. Carlow native Lynch, meanwhile, rose 56 places from 71st.
There was no racing for the first four days in Qingdao due to strong currents and thick smog, and wind was a factor when the action finally got underway at the 2008 Olympic venue.
Organisers changed the rules to allow three races per day, each event required to complete four races to constitute a championship.
“This is another truly historic moment for Irish Sailing,” James O’Callaghan, Irish Sailing’s Performance Director, added.
“Eve is the first female sailor to win a senior world championship medal. Massive credit goes to Eve’s determination and coach team of Vasilij Zbogar and Rory Fitzpatrick.”
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History for Ireland as Eve McMahon wins bronze at World Championships
LAST UPDATE | 17 May 2025
IRELAND’S EVE MCMAHON has secured a bronze medal at the ILCA 6 World Championships in Qingdao, China.
The Howth sailor made history as she secured her first senior medal: she became the first Irish female to medal at a senior world championships.
At a shortened championships due to weather conditions, McMahon was third overall after two events on the penultimate day of racing yesterday. The 22-year-old slipped back to sixth after finishing 14th in her third event, but climbed back up the leaderboard with a strong finish to proceedings.
McMahon finished top-six in each race, while also avoiding penalties, and achieved a total score of 38.0. France’s Louise Cervera took gold in the 99-boat fleet, while Agata Barwinska of Poland finished second.
The Dubliner is Ireland’s youngest ever Olympic sailor, having competed in Paris last summer. Her latest achievement is added to her growing roll of honour, with back-to-back Under 21 World Championship medals among the highlights.
“We were struggling in the last few events but we’ve worked really hard to fix that before coming to China,” said Irish Sailing coach Vasilij Zbogar.
“We spent time in Lymington training in (tidal) current with the British team and that really helped us fight for a medal — and get a medal.
“It was a really difficult day with very strong winds but Eve made three solid races. She is sailing really well and we’re looking forward to the days and months of competition ahead.”
Meanwhile, Finn Lynch and Ewan McMahon — brother of Eve — placed 15th and 19th respectively in the Men’s ILCA 7.
McMahon was seventh overall in the 138-boat event yesterday, but dropped back on the final day of racing. Carlow native Lynch, meanwhile, rose 56 places from 71st.
There was no racing for the first four days in Qingdao due to strong currents and thick smog, and wind was a factor when the action finally got underway at the 2008 Olympic venue.
Organisers changed the rules to allow three races per day, each event required to complete four races to constitute a championship.
“This is another truly historic moment for Irish Sailing,” James O’Callaghan, Irish Sailing’s Performance Director, added.
“Eve is the first female sailor to win a senior world championship medal. Massive credit goes to Eve’s determination and coach team of Vasilij Zbogar and Rory Fitzpatrick.”
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