The Yngling sailing trio of Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson won Gold in Beijing last month. Sportsister spoke to them on their arrival back to the UK.
Great Britain has a fantastic sailing pedigree. Since it was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1900, Great Britain has won more gold medals than any other nation. And this year’s Games was no exception, with Britain winning six medals including four golds.
One of those came in the Yngling class from Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson. After a week of competition in some ferocious weather conditions, they finished on 24 points overall which secured their win.
For the two Sarah’s, it was their second Olympic gold after winning the same event in Athens along with Shirley Robertson. Robertson then chose to leave and set up a new team, while Pippa Wilson became their third team member.
The sailing was based in Qingdao, what was your experience like there?
Sarah Webb: We were there for three months and it was a really good set up for us, we had a great satellite village. I was just incredibly proud to be sailing with Sarah Ayton and Pippa Wilson and to be standing on that podium with the best sailing experience that anyone could possibly imagine.
And because you are located separately, away from the main athlete’s village, what measures are taken to ensure that you feel a part of Team GB?
Sarah Webb: There is a lot of communication. We had BBC in our rooms, so we were very away of what was going on with the whole team. And we had a medal table board too to keep track of the team’s success. We had done stuff together before the event, and as the event closed we all joined in, so we were very much a part of the team.
We’re you aware of the high level of interest and support from the British public at this Games?
Pippa Wilson: Kind of aware, but we were also in our own little bubble a bit. You just have to focus on the job in hand, so we weren’t exactly sure what to expect upon returning to the UK.
Did you all have friends and family out there?
Sarah Ayton: Yes, we all had our families on tour supporting us. That was a really big deal for us. There was a big harbour wall where all the GB supporters including our families would stand as we went out for a race. That was just the inspiration we needed as we were going out for the final race - to have the cheers of your family revving you up to go out there and do the business.
Do you get to have a break now?
Sarah Webb: Yes, we definitely need to take a break. We need to reflect and enjoy what we have done, and think about the future. It’s not something you can decide now; it’s something that we need to think about. The boat that we sail is not being decided until November, so we have until November minimum.
We’ve heard a lot about the great team spirit at the Olympics among Team GB, how was it for you being a part of such a successful sector of the team?
Sarah Webb: It’s great. The team spirit among the sailing team is really awesome. And then when we joined up with Team GB before coming home that was also a really great experience. It’s fantastic to be part of the most successful team in 100 years, and we are all very proud of our part in that.
What would you say to girls to encourage them to have a go at sailing? Why do you love it so much?
Pippa Wilson: I love the variety of it. It’s a pretty technical sport, it’s good for your brain and the racing is very tactical. And at the end of the day it’s good to get off the sofa and do some exercise.
Sarah Ayton: We have all been involved in sailing since we were very young, and the people that you meet from all around the world, and you make some great friends for life. And while for us it’s all about the racing and the winning, it’s also about having a serious amount of fun. Going out on to the water, away from everything, away from everybody, and just being able to get on with doing a sport that’s seriously cool and good fun.
And looking forward to 2012 are you all still hoping to be sailing then?
Sarah Ayton: Yes, 2012 is going to be amazing. We have had a little taster of what it’s going to be like coming back home today, people are going crazy! And it would be fantastic to share our success here in our home country and for me in my home town, Weymouth.
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
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Women’s Olympic Sailing Team - Going For Gold
