Nine athletes set to sail for Canada at 2016 Rio Olympic Games

by Sail-World.com NZL on 4 Jul 2016 On Monday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Sail Canada named the nine athletes nominated to represent Team Canada in sailing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games from August 5 to 21.

S-W: Sail Canada refused to nominate sailors in three events for which they had qualified in the Mens and Womens Windsurfer (RS:X) and the Women's Two Hander (470). Sail Canada rejected a further place offered in the Mens Skiff (49er). The places earned through Qualification were the three North American Regional positions, rather than being earned off the 2014 or 2015 World Championships.

The media release from Sail Canada continues:

The nine athletes selected include: Brenda Bowskill, Danielle Boyd, Nikola Girke, Lee Parkhill, Erin Rafuse, Luke Ramsay, Tom Ramshaw, as well as brothers Graeme Saunders and Jacob Saunders. The athletes earned their Rio spots at various World Cup and world championship events, highlighted by top-10 performances for Canadian sailors across several disciplines.

The sailing competition will be based out the Marina da Gloria, with sailing courses situated in the waters of Guanabara Bay from August 8 to 18. Canadians will compete in six events: men’s Laser, women’s Laser Radial, men’s Finn, men’s 470, women’s 49er FX and mixed Nacra 17.

At Rio 2016, Canada will field a team of more than 315 athletes.

Quotes

“It is always an honour to qualify and represent my country at the Olympic Games. It's an amazing feeling and I can't wait until the Games begin! Our team is incredibly focused and determined. We aim to make our country proud!”

-Nikola Girke, three-time Olympian, Sailing

“I am thrilled that Sail Canada has nominated its strongest squad for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Congratulations to the coaches, staff and athletes for your hard work and dedication in representing our country. I can assure you that we will all be cheering our hearts out as you compete this summer.”

-Curt Harnett, Rio 2016 Team Canada Chef de Mission

“We are extremely proud of our sailors heading to Rio. These world-class athletes have demonstrated strong results this year with great potential for podium success. We look forward to cheering our Canadian team on in Rio!

-Todd Irving, President, Sail Canada

“Canadians always feel a special pride watching our talented athletes at the Olympic Games represent our country. Congratulations to the athletes and coaches named to the sailing team today who look to find the right wind all the way to the podium. We are proud of you and wish you all the best in Rio.”

-The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

The sailing team which will represent Canada at Rio 2016 includes:

Athletes:

First	Last	Hometown	Event
Brenda	Bowskill	Toronto, ON	Women’s Laser Radial
Danielle	Boyd	Kingston, ON	Women’s 49er FX
Nikola	Girke	West Vancouver, BC	Mixed Nacra 17
Lee	Parkhill	Oakville, ON	Men’s Laser
Erin	Rafuse	Halifax, NS	Women’s 49er FX
Luke	Ramsay	Vancouver, BC	Mixed Nacra 17
Tom	Ramshaw	Toronto, ON	Men’s Finn
Graeme	Saunders	Chester, NS	Men’s 470
Jacob	Saunders	Chester, NS	Men’s 470