Beijing Olympics Wrap-Up
// September 20th, 2008 // No Comments » // Olympics
As a team we put ourselves in a position to win. We have spent hours developing our up and downwind speed and our skills so that we can be a player. Opportunities will present themselves and it is those who are observant and patient to take them on the day that will win.
In the first race of the Olympics we demonstrated that we had the potential as a crew to really shake up these Games as we comfortably went on to win the first heat. We didn’t quite play our cards right and we finished fifth overall. On the last day of racing I failed to weigh in which is a day to day routine requirement. This personal error cost the team a final finishing place of fifth, dropping us to tenth. Sailing is a sport that is riddled with regulations and instructions. Losing our finishing place through a mere technicality is extremely disappointing.
“As you begin to take action toward the fulfillment of your goals and dreams, you must realise that not every action will be perfect. Not every action will produce the desired result. Not every action will work. Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons”
The past eight months has been a whirl wind experience for me learning new techniques on the boat, theory of sails, new tactics, sailing with crew and the dynamic of a team. The team has been very supportive, and without Adrian’s knowledge, Angela’s commitment and Karyn’s continual guidance throughout I feel it would have been a much harder road. The achievements of this year coming second at the World Championships, Competing and being competitive at the Olympics cannot be overlooked.
The Australian Sailing Team has come away from the Olympics with not only two 470 Gold Medals and Tornado Silver Medals but also a very tightly spirited team. Who has cheered each other on through all the Medal Races. Behind the Australian Olympic Sailing Team is a very solid network of support with administration working tirelessly to see us achieve our goals along with family and friends. As a team we are now spending our last days in Qingdao doing our final pack ups and then catching a plane to Beijing for the Closing Ceremony. For now I am soaking up all the Olympic experiences and looking forward to coming home and sharing my stories with you all.
Thankyou all for your continued support in particular The Australian Sports Commission/ Yachting Australia, Sandringham Yacht Club and my personal sponsor Veolia. Happy Sailing!
