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James Espey secured his place at the 2016 Olympics today. ISAF
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Ireland's James Espey has qualified for the 2016 Olympics

The London 2012 veteran reached the Gold fleet in the Laser Standard class.

IRISH SAILOR JAMES Espey has qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio after a strong performance in the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain.

The London 2012 veteran qualified for the Gold fleet in the Laser Standard class at the event where 50% of the Rio Olympic places are being awarded, with Espey’s fellow Irish athletes Annalise Murphy and Finn Lynch also competing.

And as 22 nations are being represented in the Gold fleet but a total of 23 nation places available, the Down native has now guaranteed Ireland a spot in Rio.

Espey finished 33rd in the 150 boat fleet, while Finn Lynch was 27th, leaving him 100th overall after Race 3 today.

In race 4, another solid performance from Espey saw him finish 15th and reach 40th overall, putting him within the top 49 that enabled him to qualify for the Gold fleet.

Meanwhile, Lynch came 29th in Race 4, which meant he dropped one place to 101st overall and will now compete in the Bronze fleet.

In addition, Annalise Murphy also had an encouraging performance in her event. After a difficult opening day, Murphy finished ninth to climb the leaderboard from 86th to 58th.

Furthermore, in her second race of the day, Murphy came seventh to bring her up to 41st overall, thereby securing an all-important place in the top 60 boat Gold fleet.

The racing will continue for both Laser classes until the medal races on 18 September.

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