London 2012 Olympics – Meet USA Laser Sailor Rob Crane + Video

by Dana Paxton on 21 Jul 2012 London 2012 Olympics - In this edition of Meet the Team we introduce Rob Crane, who will represent the USA in the Laser class at the Sailing Competition being held at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Rob was born into a family that is passionate about sailing. His competitive sailing began in the Optimist class, and in 1998 he won the Optimist North American Championship. Soon after, he advanced to the Laser Radial and it wasn’t before long that he was highly-competitive in the full-rig Laser. Crane, 26, had his breakout performance at the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, where he qualified for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team.

How and when did you first get involved in sailing?
I first got involved in sailing through my parents. My Dad was a sail maker for many years. My Mom's father built Lightnings for a living. Due to this family history it was almost a given that I would sail. I first started sailing when I was five or six, but did not sail competitively until I was seven or eight.

Who has been the most influential person in your sailing career and why?
My Dad has been the most influential person due to his extensive sailing knowledge and participation in my sailing career.

What would winning an Olympic medal mean to you?
It would mean the world. It is hard to quantify exactly what it, but I would be elated. It would be the culmination of years of hard work.

What is your training regimen?
I try to sail three days on, one day off, for three hours a day. Then off the water I go to the gym to lift 3-4 times a week, with three to four cardio sessions a week.

What sets you apart from other athletes?
I think I am different from other sailors in the fact that I played many competitive sports other than sailing growing up. In high school I played a Varsity soccer, hockey and lacrosse.

What other non-sailing interests or hobbies do you have?
I particularly enjoy ice hockey, skiing, golf and cycling.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a five-year-old black lab named Hobie

Any special or unique skills that aren’t sailing related?
I’m very good at fixing/rebuilding mechanical things. My dad and I replaced the head gasket on a J-4 Subaru engine. I have also rebuilt lawnmowers, carburetors and small outboard motors.