In the past ten Summer Olympics, the Australian Sailing Team has only twice been left off the podium, and most recently have been near or at the top of the Medal table. The nation is accustomed to success, with their fans exhibiting the passion that comes with it.
It is a sentiment not seen much in the USA, as success has been fleeting, and the team and athletes have struggled to provide an emotional connection with their audience. Maybe that will change under new leadership by Paul Cayard.
Australian Sailing Vice President Alistair Murray, in this excerpt from his personal tribute to the team which won two gold medals, he offers a view well earned:
In this COVID/lockdown world you brought some light, some entertainment, some inspiration and yes, some joy into my life and into the lives of many yachties back here in Australia. And now we all have to wait another three years to experience it again.
The Australian Sailing Board was into it! Every day for six hours we were on our couches around the country, tuned in to the live coverage on 7Plus, watching your every start, tack and gybe and cheering you on.
With our fearless leader Daniel Belcher, showing some obvious bias in the case of the Mens’ 470, there was an endless stream of comments on our WhatsApp group as we traded comments on every move you made. Of course it is easy from the couch….we rarely made a mistake!
So, I didn’t miss a minute and I now appear to have what are suspiciously like bed sores! But it was so much fun and was just the greatest bonding exercise for us. You brought us together.
You did a great job for the sport of sailing in Australia. Here is our sport being showcased as something to aspire to, as tough and competitive and athletic….and yes, something Australia is great at!
Most importantly, you brought a great deal of joy to your friends and families, and all sailors back in Australia. Perhaps we weren’t able to gather as we would have liked to in many cases, but we all found ways to enjoy your journey.
Tokyo 2020 details – Race information – Results
Race schedule was staggered for the ten sailing events from July 25 to August 4.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Sailing Program
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Men’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Women’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFx
Men’s One Person Dinghy Heavy – Finn
Men’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Women’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17
Original dates: July 24 to August 9, 2020
Revised dates: July 23 to August 8, 2021
