Rio calling for #AUS 11: Mat Belcher & Will Ryan win Copa de Brazil
by Mat Belcher & Will Ryan 24 Dec 2015 08:50 GMT
24 December 2015
Gold for Mat Belcher & Will Ryan at the Copa Brasil de Vela in Rio © Victor Kovalenko
A final medal-race win in the Copa de Brazil regatta last Sunday was a fitting way to end a great year of 2015. After having secured the event victory the previous day - the final race win gave Mat and Will a 45-point winning margin and caps a great month after having also recently had there places confirmed in the Australian Olympic Team for Rio 2016!
KovalenkoAfter the announcement held in Sydney on December 4th prior to departing for the Rio regatta, Mat commented "Anytime you can represent your country is special... ever since I was a kid, going to the Olympics was all I wanted - and to get to go to my second Games is just amazing!"
With this being Will's first selection, Mat also noted "A lot of people don't realise how much Will was involved in the London campaign. I've seen him grow and to share that excitement and put on the uniform together will be special." Will added "It's obviously extremely special to make my first Olympic team. It is something that I have been working hard toward for a very long time, and hopefully satisfying for all the people who have helped me on my journey to this point so far.
AOCHaving now packed up the boats in Rio for a short break with family and friends over Christmas, the focus will now turn towards the 2016 Season with the Rio Olympics as the pinacle event, while the 2016 class World Championships in Buenos Aires in February will serve as a good form guide as the days tick down.
There is an impressive history associated with the Australian Olympic Team, and it is a great honour for Mat and Will to be named as being two of the first eight athletes to join Australian Olympic Team towards Rio 2016. It is with huge thanks to all of the teams friends, supporters, sponsors and family - and particularly the guidance of Coach Victor Kovalenko, which is key to Mat and Will having the ambitious goal to win GOLD again for Australia in just 9 months time!
Fair winds and best wishes to all for the upcoming Christmas and New Year period - We can't wait for 2016!
Mat and Will, #AUS11