Rawlinson sisters set sights on Yngling Olympic Gold.

24th October, 2006

We've been in this boat together a matter of weeks now and we've just completed our first International regatta! What a learning experience!

We set no performance goals for the event as we had no idea what to expect results-wise. Instead we outlined a number of very specific process goals, reflecting the training we'd been doing in the short period leading up to the event. These goals were primarily based on boat handling and starting.

The event was a fantastic experience - it was great to be helming again and to be back in the boat with my sister. We went into it fired up and ready to race! It was going to be really interesting to find out where we were against the competition and how our speed compared.

True to form, the Brits put on a brilliant performance in all the classes competing at the Sail for Gold. For us, the medal race was the closest and most exciting bit of racing. All the three British Yngling's battling it out for first, second and third. With Andy Green commentating and camera boats all around, the adrenaline was pumping and the fight was close! It was a really breezy race, and our complete lack of experience in those conditions came across in our boat handling - we finally finished the race fourth. The most encouraging point of the regatta was that we were on the pace, with good height - a great weapon in the Yngling as they tend to reach a certain speed and don't go much faster!

Our overall position was 8th. We've identified some key areas to work on over the winter that will help to raise our game considerably. We're bringing in coaches and we're going to work our socks off in the gym! By the time we reach Miami in January, our next International regatta, we want to be on that podium!

Victoria Rawlinson

Here you will find a more personal report from the team and what they are doing to prepare for their Olympic Yngling journey to Beijing.