Australian Sailing’s Olympic webinar series kicked off last night with the mastermind behind Australia’s three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the Laser class; Michael Blackburn.

Blackburn discussed his experience at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as well as his broader coaching and Olympic experiences.

The webinar series was designed to provide the sailing community with the opportunity to engage with some of the key players from Australia’s Olympic Sailing Team.

Blackburn answered various pressing questions from sailors across Australia. Particular topics of interest included the psychology around preparing athletes for Olympic pressure, differences between Tokyo and other Olympic Games and factors that make an athlete the best in the world.

Michael Blackburn

Blackburn provided the sailing community with some exciting insights from the Tokyo games. When asked about his advice to Matt Wearn after his first day of racing, Blackburn emphasised the importance of focusing on processes.

 “The training kicks in and you just have to get back and focus on the process, take it one step at a time”

The Olympic Webinar series will continue next Thursday 16^th September at 7PM AEST with Mat Belcher and Victor Kovalenko. The Men’s 470 team have plenty to share about their experiences in Tokyo. Mat Belcher is Australia’s most successful Olympic sailor, having won two Gold and one Silver medal. Coach Victor Kovalenko has been dubbed “the medal maker” for his 11 Olympic medals.

Will Ryan, Victor Kovalenko and Mat Belcher

Following webinars will interview Olympic gold medallist Matt Wearn and Australia’s Laser Radial representative, Mara Stransky. Matt is set to fill the sailing community in on his experience at the Games; winning Australia’s third consecutive Olympic Gold Medal in the Laser Class. Mara made her Olympic debut at Tokyo and has plenty to share about her campaign.

Matt Wearn

The final webinar will speak to some of the Australian Race Officials that were involved in Race management at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Webinar times, dates and registration links can be found below.

Thursday 16^th September 7PM AEST - Mat Belcher & Victor Kovalenko (Register here)

Tuesday 21^st 7PM AEST September – Matt Wearn (Register here)

Thursday 30^th September – Mara Stransky (Register here)

Tuesday 12^th October – Australian International Officials - Race Management at the Tokyo Games (Register here)