dodge

There's loads of factors at play. Triathlon was mentioned earlier but that's mass start and the difference between 35 starting and 55 starting isn't that much logistically. The same way they're going to allow over 80 now in the marathon in Athletics. Others are a bit more difficult to keep a rein on but they've even tightened up in swimming with the removal of the B time automatically allowing A time holders competing in multiple events. There are plenty of sports with only one entrant per NOC too; sailing, rowing, weightlifting and all the combat sports. All of which is to say that we all have our favourite sports, and we all know which sports give our countries a better chance of medalling, but it's not an easy job for the IOC and the sports federations. It's OK that we don't all get our wishlist

I don’t see the problem really. Different sports have different rules and different allowances No harm done

So then?

The men’s k1 goes to As with the women’s k1, Ireland just misses out

It’s or for the quota in k1 One of the 2 Polish paddlers need to beat 88.58. We’ll find out in the next 20 minutes or so (as it’s unlikely Noel Hendrick’s time will be enough to qualify for the final for Ireland) Ireland is hoping for each of them to miss a gate

They've just given 50 penalty points to the Polish paddler from heat 2. So is still in with a shout too

Madison Corcoran of Ireland was unlucky. She was 4th fastest paddler but 8 penalties was far too many. even 6 points would have been enough for her to make it through

I wrote about the current situation for Ireland here on balls.ie Your clicks are appreciated as I try to push for more Olympics articles...

Thanks, I wasn't using the filters correctly!

Only two going for African quota now with pulling out. It’s a straight battle between and 15 European countries going for the final spot with and the favourites updated entry list here

Folks, does anyone have a link for the latest relay rankings? I know it will change rapidly, particularly with the European championships in May, but I see them mentioned a bit and I can't find them

fwiw Oliver Dingley lives and trains in and has done since before the last Olympics It is wild that Ireland now has a diving team!

it’s 2 weeks to Lucerne. The Asia/Oceania qualifier is before that There’s no way startlists will be announced for another 10-14 days

Tanya Watson is the first woman from to qualify for the Olympics in diving. wowp

How dare you?! These championships are now more important than all others

Yesssss!! So happy for the team

At the European event, France beat Ireland by 19-12 but since then France appear to have invested in their team. Shamefully, as far as I'm concerned, Ireland have pretty much ignored sevens rugby

But you can't change that now as plenty of countries have targeted this meet to qualify. They can argue that there hasn't been enough races available to improve their ranking. And lets face it, relay rankings are not a great indicator at all

Once they made it an Olympic qualifier, with certain nations targeting the event, it was always going to go ahead. Most of those who've pulled out (all?) are already qualified. The world relay medals don't have that much prestige yet so the focus is on qualification.

Indeed. World athletics relay too.

Additions in the last month Sailing - 49er - Probably Dickson & Waddilove Swimming - 100m Breast - Mona McSharry Swimming - 800m free - Daniel Wiffen Athletics - marathon - Aoife Cooke Next month sees Diving and Rowing with chances

Women’s marathon Aoife Cooke - 2:28.36 She’s the second Irish woman to get the marathon standard

FWIW I think the German outfits look great. Even aside from their message and their choice, I just think they look cool

On the contrary, for the first time ever National TV will show the finals Rhys McClenaghan is top qualifier for pommel Adam Steele qualifies for all around final in 20th. First time an Irish man has done that earlier Emma Slevin qualified for the women’s all around Oh and looks like Megan Ryan will go to Tokyo if North Korea pull out as expected. Exciting times for Irish gymnastics

An amazing 27th for Emma Slevin. First Irish woman to qualify for the senior all around final