Great Britain was the dominant nation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with three gold among their five medals, but as their team of 15 sailors assess the future, eight of them have called it quits for Paris 2024.
Tokyo 2020 gold medalists Hannah Mills (women’s 470), Giles Scott (Finn), and Stuart Bithell (49er) are among those calling time on their Olympic careers.
Also tapping out are London 2012 silver medalist Luke Patience (men’s 470), three-time Olympian Ali Young (ILCA 6), two-timers Charlotte Dobson (49erFX) and Chris Grube (men’s 470), and Rio 2016 Team GB athlete Ben Saxton (Nacra 17).
“All good things must come to an end, and as such these incredible athletes have taken the decision to step back from Olympic campaigning,” said Mark Robinson, the RYA’s Olympic Performance Manager.
“However, as a team we are well-prepared. Lots of our Tokyo team are going again, plus there are a whole host of talented sailors who’ve been waiting patiently in the wings to get their time to shine.
“With Paris 2024 less than three years away the British Sailing Team is full-steam ahead, with the number one goal of defending our title of the world’s most successful Olympic sailing team.”
Despite the loss of so many big names, the British Sailing Team retains gold medal winners Dylan Fletcher (49er) and Eilidh McIntyre (women’s 470) who will both continue campaigning for the next Olympics with new teammates, yet to be decided.
Additionally, Tokyo 2020 silver medalists John Gimson and Anna Burnet in the Nacra 17 are also continuing their bid for gold alongside Emma Wilson, bronze medalist in the women’s RS:X, windsurfer Tom Squires, and 49erFX crew Saskia Tidey.
There is a new program of events for Paris 2024, with the Finn gone, the men’s and women’s 470 events merged into one mixed event, and the men’s and women’s windsurfing event changing equipment from the RS:X to the iQFoil. Here’s the complete Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Program:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFx
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFoil
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFoil
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17
Venue: Marseille, France
Dates: July 26-August 11
Details: https://www.paris2024.org/en/the-olympic-games-paris-2024/
