20-year-old Eve McMahon will compete in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the women’s single handed Olympic dinghy class. We spoke to her about sailing, support for women in sport and what competing in the Olympics means to her …
When did you discover your love for sailing?
When I was younger, I followed the footsteps of my two older brothers (Ewan and Jamie) and started summer sailing courses at my home club when I was seven years old. I fell in love with the freedom that sailing brings, being out on the water close to nature. I am a member of Howth Yacht Club and also currently on the Senior Irish Olympic team for the women’s single handed Olympic dinghy class (ILCA 6 Laser Radial).
Who are your biggest supporters?
My biggest supporters are my family, I have a very close relationship with my two older brothers who help me analyse my sailing and improve my skill. My parents have been with me throughout the highs and lows, the wins and losses of my sailing career and have believed in me for every decision that I have made. I am truly grateful for their support because high performance sport can be very isolating and cut-throat at times, so to have their constant support behind me throughout my career has been invaluable.
Who are your female role models, in the field of sport or outside?
Currently, I am training and preparing to represent Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer. I am working alongside Anne-Marie Rindom DEN (Tokyo Olympic Gold medalist), and she has been an impactful female role model throughout my career. I started training with Anne-Marie when I was 15 and from that point, she has never been afraid to give me her advice, help and guidance to help me become a better sailor.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Dare to dream. Dream big. Believe in yourself because you can make your dreams come true.
How do you handle expectations and pressure?
I control my own expectations of myself, I try not to let other people’s expectations of me affect my racing. I am not afraid of nerves; I use them to fuel my racing and use them to my advantage. In my opinion, nerves are a good thing in high performance sport when managed correctly.
How do you like to unwind?
I really enjoy spending time with my friends, family and my two little dogs. I am also studying in UCD full time so that helps to switch off my brain from thinking about sailing.
What are your three travel essentials?
My Image Skincare products, in particular the daily prevention SPF range [Eve is an Image Skincare ambassador], my reusable water bottle, and my polarised Oakley sunglasses.
How do you think women in sport could be better supported?
It was a long time coming but the new introduction of the 50/50 male: female ratio of places in sailing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is an improved show of support for female athletes.
What does qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics mean to you personally?
Qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is a dream that I have had since I was a little girl and to be able to represent my country at the highest level at the most prestigious sporting event in the world makes me very proud. To see all the hard work pay off is also very rewarding and that keeps me motivated.
What is next after Paris 2024?
My plan after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is very exciting. I will be spending my third year of university in Valencia, Spain as part of my International Commerce Erasmus year. Valencia is also the perfect location for me to start my training and preparation for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Eve McMahon will compete in the women’s dinghy race on Thursday August 1 at the Paris 2024 Olympics; www.olympics.com.