Rhubarb 2024

Marseille I arrived in Marseille for a training camp in June, well ahead of my first race on August 1st. By that time, many of the larger teams and top-ranked sailors had already been living and training there for months. Despite being the youngest competitor in my fleet at just 20, I had already established connections with several of them through years of competition and shared experiences.This brings me to a very important value I’ve learned: respect. We trained together, held practice races to refine our skills and shared dinners, but when it was time to race, we became fierce competitors.This respect also encompasses how we treat judges, race officials, coaches and the countless administrators and volunteers who make these events possible. Competitive dinghy sailing can often feel like a nomadic pursuit. I have now competed in over 20 international events across the Americas, Europe, the Mediterranean and even the Middle East. At each of these events, the competition was intense yet fair, and the friendships I’ve formed – much like those I made at Teddies – will last a lifetime. Opening Ceremony

INTERVIEW

I was honoured to be chosen as the flag-bearer for my country at the Opening Ceremony on the River Seine in Paris. After an early-morning journey from Marseille, I joined my fellow Team Cayman athletes.We had a beautiful wooden motorboat all to ourselves, and we soaked up every moment of it (as my parents, in the crowd, got soaked by the rain!).

Olympic Regatta Competing at the Olympic Games was an experience beyond words – a culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance. As I sailed out of the marina towards the racecourse, the sight of my 17-strong group of friends and family who had made the long journey to support me was profoundly moving. Surrounded by the world’s best athletes, the moment was both exhilarating and humbling.The atmosphere was electric, charged with the collective energy of competitors who had all worked tirelessly to reach this pinnacle. This emotional send-off served as a powerful reminder of the support that had propelled me to this stage, making the experience even more special. The goal was to race twice daily for five consecutive days for a total of 10 races. As sailing is weather dependent, that plan was not exactly followed! The sheer magnitude of the event was awe-inspiring.The Olympic spirit, where every athlete shares a common goal of excellence and sportsmanship, was palpable. It reminded me of why I had embarked on this journey. Each race was a blend of adrenaline, focus, and the thrill of competition. Navigating the waters with precision and strategy, I felt a deep connection to the sport and a sense of accomplishment simply by being there.The opportunity to compete at this level, representing my country, was a dream come true. I am deeply grateful for all the support I’ve received, especially during my formative years at Teddies, from coaches, family and friends. In the end, the Olympics were not just about the races or the results; they represented the realisation of a lifelong dream, were a test of my abilities, and a celebration of the unity and spirit of the global sporting community. Competing at the Games marked a high point in my career that will forever be etched in my memory.

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