Natalya Coyle – Modern pentathlon

Age: 25. Event: Modern pentathlon. Hometown: Tara, Co Meath

Tucked away and somewhat lost at the tailend of the London Olympics four years ago was one of Ireland’s best performances, when the then 21-year Coyle finished an excellent ninth in what was her major championship debut. It’s been a difficult four years since, injury and over-training forcing her to rebuild, but the determined Meath woman has done exactly that, sealing her qualification for Rio in June with enough ranking points, thanks to an exhausting round-the-world qualifying process. Running/shooting is her big strength, and may well bring her closer to a medal this time.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics