In the latest episode of the Her Sport Show, we had the pleasure of chatting with Irish Olympic sailing silver medalist turned cyclist, Annalise Murphy. Annalise received a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first Irish woman to achieve such a feat in sailing. After an illustrious career spanning three Olympic Games, she decided to retire from competitive sailing following Tokyo 2020. However, her athletic journey was far from over. In her very first year as a competitive cyclist, she clinched victory in the scratch race at the Dublin track cycling international competition, and has continued to make strides in cycling. From winning an Olympic silver medal in sailing to mentoring young talents and becoming a passionate advocate for athlete welfare, Annalise Murphy continues to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in the world of sports.
In the latest episode of the Her Sport Show, we were honoured to chat with Irish Olympian Annalise Murphy!
🎥 https://t.co/CPQoTZmgxC— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) October 5, 2023
Early Sailing
Annalise's ties to sailing run deep. Her competitive sailing journey began early, often racing against her parents - both seasoned sailors with over 40 years of experience - and sister Claudine. Annalise's mother represented Ireland in sailing at the 1988 Olympics, fostering a strong sailing culture within the family.
Annalise began sailing in the Optimist class, often the first boat children sail, at the age of nine, but soon outgrew the boat due to her height. She transitioned to the Laser 4.7, a smaller version of the boat that would eventually take her to the Olympics. Annalise began competing in sailing almost immediately but started in small regattas, her first being in Dun Laoghaire Harbor. She had her first taste of competing on a larger stage at the Mirror Europeans, an international event held in Germany. Annalise emphasized the importance of sailing in Irish waters, a training ground that exposes sailors to diverse conditions.
Growing up, Annalise didn't limit herself to sailing alone. She explored other sports, including horse riding, and harbored dreams of competing in the Olympics in three-day eventing. Her multisport background provided her with a well-rounded athletic foundation, igniting a passion for competition that would eventually fuel her journey in sailing and beyond.
Explaining the intricacies of competitive sailing, Annalise likened it to golf, where the most consistent performer over a series of days emerges victorious. Sailing events, often spanning five or six days, challenge athletes to excel across a range of weather conditions and tactical scenarios. The introduction of medal races in the Olympics' top ten boats added excitement and pressure, emphasizing the sport's mental and physical demands. Annalise highlighted the misconception that sailing is purely physical. While fitness is vital, the mental aspect, involving strategic decision-making and tactics, plays an equally crucial role. She explained that sailing is about consistently performing well over the course of a competition.With races featuring up to 120 competitors, sailors must navigate the complexities of wind, waves, and boat traffic, making it a truly dynamic sport.
The Volvo Ocean Race Challenge
Her experiences in the Volvo Ocean Race, a nine-month-long race around the world, offered unique insights into the demands of offshore racing. Racing alongside a mixed-gender team for the United Nations Clean Seas campaign, the race aimed to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the oceans. Annalise described the race as one of the most challenging things she has ever done; sleep deprivation and the need for quick decision-making became daily realities. Completing the race was a source of immense pride, and she gained newfound respect for sailors who undertake this journey year after year. Annalise also acknowledged the impact of gender diversity initiatives in the Volvo Ocean Race, which mandated women's participation.
"It's not many sports where women can compete with men. I know we're trying to get to the stage where women are going to get paid somewhat similar amounts to their male counterparts, but actually in sailing, it's one of the few sports where women can compete at the same level as men."
This balanced representation was a welcome change in professional sailing, allowing top female sailors to compete on par with their male counterparts. The experience of winning this race for the first time with two women on board was historic and groundbreaking.
The Pursuit of Olympic Glory
It was only around the age of 16 or 17 that she started considering the Olympics seriously. Over a brief span of three years, she made significant progress. By 2009, her stellar senior season set her sights on the London Olympics. The 2011 World Championships in Perth saw her qualify for the Olympics, and Annalise's made her first Olympic appearance at the 2012 London Olympics. She recalled the overwhelming sense of pride in representing her country on the world's biggest sporting stage. She narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth, but despite the initial pressure, London taught her to handle high-stress situations and focus on consistency. Annalise's determination to return stronger and her hard work paid off when she clinched the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, making history as the first Irish woman to win an Olympic sailing medal.
"I think is really important that I've shown that it's possible... we had lots of amazing sailors at the Olympics, but no one had ever really been able to challenge for a medal."
Annalise described the moment as "pure elation," and the outpouring of support from her family, friends, and the Irish public was overwhelming. Annalise's Olympic journey was full of lessons, and she reiterated that success in sailing often comes down to who can make the fewest mistakes, rather than winning numerous races.
Transitioning to Cycling
After a disappointing performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Annalise decided to retire from competitive sailing. Inspired by her love for cycling and the thrill of competition, she embarked on a new adventure in competitive cycling. Her journey began with a casual race in Corkagh Park, where her talent shone through, leading to a newfound passion. Annalise's dedication to training and her 15 years of elite-level athleticism gave her the strength to excel in cycling. She participated in various cycling competitions, winning titles and continuing to push her limits; she recently came out on top at the 2023 Senior Track National Championships this past summer. The sport's addictive nature, the thrill of winning, and the challenge of balancing her skills and experience made cycling a rewarding pursuit.
@CyclingIreland National Track Championships. @Annalise_Murphy takes gold in the IP and Madison with Ellen Ni Cleirigh pic.twitter.com/1IAuIhWSg0
— Longcourt CC & WRT (@knockaderry2020) August 29, 2023
Inspiring Future Generations
Annalise's commitment to athlete welfare and mentoring is evident through her role on the Olympic Federation of Ireland's Athletes Commission. She recognizes the importance of guiding future athletes, helping them navigate the pressures of high-performance sports, and providing support through mentorship. She believes in the power of mentoring, as it can make a significant difference in an athlete's journey.
The 11th International Athletes’ Forum (IAF) brought together over 400 athlete representatives in Lausanne to discuss the most important issues for athletes across the Olympic Movement.
Annalise Murphy, Rio 2016 Silver Medalist in Sailing and member of our Athletes' Commission… pic.twitter.com/8Kow8IZlFk— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) October 4, 2023
Her involvement in the commission also highlights her dedication to ensuring that younger athletes have the opportunity to achieve their Olympic dreams while receiving the necessary support and guidance. Annalise firmly believes that the lessons learned through sports, such as resilience, independence, and the ability to overcome challenges, are invaluable in life beyond athletics.
""I think being in sports gives you all these skills that then when you decide that you want to move on from being a high-performance athlete, you can use all those skills in whatever career path you choose to take... In life, you're gonna lose lots of things. It's not going to be easy, but sport teaches you it's okay to lose and how you can get back on track."
Annalise Murphy's journey, from childhood sailing adventures to Olympic glory and her rapid rise in competitive cycling, is a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to redefine their boundaries. With her unwavering determination and passion for competition, Annalise continues to inspire aspiring athletes, proving that the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds.
