In February, Mercedes-Benz extended its on-going support to 21-year-old Olympic sailing hopeful, Aoife Hopkins, writes Trish Whelan.
The continued support sees Mercedes-Benz retain its status as the only vehicle manufacturer supporting Ireland’s bid for further Olympic glory in the Laser Radial class.
From Howth, Aoife has been sailing since the age of nine and has held the Women’s Laser Radial Irish national champion and under-21 European champion titles, amongst other accolades.
While sailing is the main priority at the moment, balancing study and sport is a talent Aoife has learned to master over the years. The Howth Yacht Club star recently became a University College Dublin financial maths student having previously studied at Trinity College Dublin for two years.
At the handover of her new Vito Mixto van Aoife commented: “I am delighted to have the support of Mercedes-Benz whose involvement in sailing ensures that my preparations for Tokyo are off to a flying start.”
Fergus Conheady, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles said: “We are proud to support another of Ireland’s amazing young sailors and wish them every success as they challenge to be the sole competitor in the Laser Radial class to qualify to represent Ireland.”
Due to the Coronavirus, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will now take place in July 2021.
