Sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (49er), Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie (women’s 470), Andrew Murdoch (laser), Jon Paul Tobin (RS:X), Paul Snow Hansen and Jason Saunders (men’s 470), Stephanie Hazard, Jenna Hansen and Susannah Pyatt (women’s match racing) and Sara Winther (laser radial) were confirmed to the New Zealand Olympic team by New Zealand Olympic Committee Selectors, headed by Secretary General Kereyn Smith.
Yesterday marked a big day in my career. I was officially selected in the 2012 Olympic Sailing Team.
I had returned home after Perth knowing that I was waiting to find out about selection, but didn’t realize we would know this soon.
It was a great feeling sitting in the room with the other 11 sailors selected, knowing that this part of the job is done now, and I can prepare and plan for August 2012. But I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone for sticking by me in the good times and the not so good times, and hope that there are still more good times to come!
My family – who never gave up on me! My friends and Takpuna Boating Club supporters. My team at High Performance Sport NZ – I know I have not always been to easiest athlete to deal with!
My new and old sponsors for the continued support – I have the best equipment and gear any sailor could ask for! Marko and others who have coached me this year – you have done a good job! And of course Yachting New Zealand for the opportunity to put together the campaign to go out and race!
So from now it is a bit of rest until the new year and then will be heading off to Wellington for the NZ laser Nationals.
Merry Christmas everyone, and hope to catch up with you all soon.
