Attention To Detail

 

by Rebecca Lee 06.08.08

With the Beijing Games sailing events starting this weekend, Saturday 9th August, month of preparation will be realised as athletes take to the water. The GB squad considers various aspects in intricate detail, including  the meteorological challenges of the Olympic venue and the benefits that can be realised through a highly specific programme of sports science support.

“Working with the RYA performance team is an exciting experience” said South West Regional Manager Kirstie Moore. “All staff that work with the programme are consistently challenged to find cutting edge solutions that support increased performance. It is a stimulating and rewarding environment to work in” she added.

Having worked with the squad for the past 15 years, Pete Cunningham, RYA’s Senior Sports Scientist, is well positioned to ensure that the support provided contributes to supporting the performance of one of the strongest GB teams at the Games.

The solid team ethic on the water is reflected by the team behind the scenes, which includes both RYA and EIS staff.

EIS practitioners, Simon Briscoe, Performance Analyst, Chris Gordon, Physiotherapist, Ben Chell, Psychologist, Steve Gent, Michael Johnston, Liz Sinton Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Nathan Lewis, Performance Nutritionist and Nick Slade, Performance Lifestyle Advisor, have all worked in supporting athletes and coaches in their preparation for the Games; many of the support team are now in China for the final phase of preparation before the Games begin.

Whilst the support team currently work from training venues in both Southampton and Weymouth (WPNSA, where the Sailing event in London 2012 will be held) and regularly travel internationally to support the team, they share a strong focus, as Psychologist Ben Chell says;

“Each member of the support team possesses a common goal, which is to continually strive to enhance the performance of our elite sailors.”

Performance analysis in sailing presents unique challenges and requirements for highly tailored delivery, with much of the focus being on boat performance. EIS PA Simon Briscoe works with coaches to ensure delivery of well focussed and high quality technical feedback to athletes during both training and at competitions.

“In China we have some very specific venue-based issues which we've worked hard on over the past few years to understand,” Briscoe explained. “Hopefully all these little things will help give us an edge over the competition. Personally I have the utmost confidence in our sailors to deliver and deliver well” he added.

EIS Performance Nutritionist Nathan Lewis has been with the squad at the holding camp in Qingdao, supporting athletes in maintaining the hard work put in, during the months of preparation.

“One of my key roles is to ensure the sailors are at an appropriate weight for their boat class and likely weather conditions whilst remaining healthy” said Lewis.

As the last few days of preparation climax, support staff in both China and back in the South West are wishing athletes well concludes Kirstie Moore.

“The Games in Beijing represents the culmination of many years of hard work from athletes, coaches and support staff, we wish Team GB the very best in their quest for medal performances in Beijing.”

The sailing begins this Saturday, 9^th August, with the Finn and Yngling first races, followed by a week of activity before the final races are held in each discipline.

Athletes & Final  Races

Ben Ainslie, Finn, Saturday 16th. Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb & Pippa Wilson, Saturday 16^th. Stevie Morrison & Ben Rhodes, 49er, Sunday 17^th. Nick Rogers & Joe Glanfield, 470 Men, Monday 18^th. Christina Bassadone & Saskia Clarke, 470 Women, Monday 18^th.  Paul Goodison, Laser Men, Tuesday 19^th. Penny Clarke, Laser Women, Tuesday 19^th.  Nick Dempsey, RSX (Windsurfing), Wednesday 20^th,  Bryony Shaw, RSX (Windsurfing), Wednesday 20^th.  Leigh McMillan & Will Howden, Tornado, Thursday 21^st. Iain Percy & Andrew Simpson, Star, Thursday 21^st