Issue date
NZL Sailing Team sailor and 2012 Radial representative in London, Sara Winther reflects on her Olympic debut and thanks her supporters…
It has been a while since you have heard from me, when you compete at an event as significant as the Olympics it takes a while to reflect afterwards and that is exactly what I have been doing!
The Olympic Games was an experience like no other. You plan and prepare for an event like this by talking to people who have been there and done it, but I now know that until you actually live and experience it for yourself that you don’t truly realize what it is like.
My Olympic regatta was disappointing as I failed to lift my game to where it needed to be. The racing was the closest and hardest I have ever sailed in, everyone sailed so well, coupled with quality supplied gear, it just brought everyone that much closer.
The medallists were extremely deserving of their results, and it was awesome watching the final result unfold in the medal race, tinged with sadness and frustration that I wasn’t in it of course. The radial class had the closest points situation of any fleet going into the final race which made it even more interesting to watch.
Having been home for a few weeks, the time has given me a chance to really look back at how the past 4 years unfolded. There were some awesome results along the way, but I now know what it really takes to be on the podium. I think it has made me a better and stronger person, I have learned so much and have a new level of confidence that I will take into my next competition.
With my support team at HPSNZ I have undergone a very thorough campaign debrief, and have gathered so many learning’s which I can apply in the future. Marko has been an unwavering support especially as we dealt with him not being at the Olympics with me, we have both had some amazing learning times.
As for now, I am working on my “one day list” .. (you know the one we all have.. “one day when I have time I will get around to it…” I am also planning for university next year. I have a new guy in my life… TED my dog, so my current role is puppy trainer.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over this campaign. Without all your support there would have been no way I would have been able to do what I do.
As for the future, I have the desire to be in Rio, and will be going through a pretty comprehensive study to make sure we can continue without making the same mistakes as last time – and believe me bikes are banned next time round!
So watch this space, and I would really appreciate your ongoing support to continue.
Sara
