One of Ireland’s most accomplished Paralympians goes into action today in his final major event before the Rio Paralympics later this Summer. John Twomey with crew-members Ian Costello and Austin O’Carroll qualified in the Sonar class last December and begin racing in their world championship this afternoon.
The championship is being held as part of the Delta Lloyd regatta for Olympic classes at the Dutch sailing venue at Medemblik.
This year will be Twomey’s 11th Paralympic appearance and possibly his last as Disabled Sailing will not feature in the 2020 Tokyo games.
“Our Sonar team have had more time together as a crew than any previous season which I expect will stand to them in competition,” commented James O’Callaghan, ISA Performance Director. “They will also compete at the Weymouth Sailing World Cup regatta in June but the World Championship is their last major event before the paralympics.”
Since losing the use of his legs in a childhood accident, Twomey has competed in several sailing disciplines in addition to paralympic sport and has several championship titles to his credit.
Costello hails from Killorglin and is a veteran from the London 2012 games and is a member of Kinsale Yacht Club with Twomey. Dublin-born O’Carroll is on his first Paralympic outing and sails regularly from Tralee Bay Sailing Club.
Following this event, the Providence Team IRL trio will spend the next four months making final training preparations for their four-year highlight regatta that starts in September.