After 45 years, Australia’s 1980 Olympic sailing team has reunited, a gathering reflecting on their shared experiences and the long-awaited recognition they have received.
The reunion comes in the wake of one of the most turbulent times in Olympic history, as the Australian Government supported a boycott of the Moscow Games in response to the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. While some Australian athletes participated, the sailors were unable to compete.
Hosted by Australian Sailing CEO and Olympic gold medallist Malcolm Page, the event included representatives from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) such as President Ian Chesterman and CEO Mark Arbib. Nine of the 12 athletes selected for the 1980 Olympic team, alongside two reserves, attended the reunion.
- 470 – Gary Gietz & Greg Johns
- Finn – Geoff Davidson
- Flying Dutchman – Ian Brown & Glenn Bourke
- Star – Peter O’Donnell & Richard Coxon
- Soling – John Bertrand, Timothy Goodwin-Dorning & Gary Sheard
- Tornado – Brian Lewis & Barry Robson
- Reserves – Mark Bethwaite, Jonathan Holmes & Ian McDiarmid
Chesterman expressed the significance of the reunion, stating, “It means a lot for them to be here. It’s part of a process which we hope will see them feeling engaged with our movement going forward.” Each sailor received an official Australian Olympic team pin, and many wore their 1980 blazers.
Page highlighted the importance of honouring the athletes’ contributions, noting that their story is vital for future generations, especially with the LA 2028 Olympics and Brisbane 2032 on the horizon.
The sailors reflected on the emotional impact of the boycott. Davidson remarked, “The boycott was devastating because the athletes were paying the price,” highlighting the frustration over the government’s continued trade with the Soviet Union while athletes were sidelined. The reunion offered a chance to share those feelings in a supportive environment.
Bertrand recalled the chaos surrounding the announcement of the boycott and the helplessness felt by the sailors, who were bound by their governing body’s decisions.
“In that era, there’s no money, no coaching,” he noted, reminiscing about the financial sacrifices made by athletes and their families during that time.
Goodwin-Dorning shared how the experience altered his perspective on competition, leading him to seek a balance between sailing and life outside the sport.
Despite the pain associated with their past, the reunion was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of closure. It marked a significant step in recognising the contributions of the 1980 sailing team to Australia’s Olympic history.
For the sailors, the reunion was not just about nostalgia; it was about finally being acknowledged as a vital part of Australia’s Olympic narrative.
#Sailing #Olympics #AustralianSailing #SailAustralia #SailingHistory
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