Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre named World Sailors of the Year
by Will Carson, RYA 3 Dec 2021 05:55 PST
Women's 470 Gold for Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre (GBR) at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Sailing Competition © Sailing Energy / World Sailing
Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre scooped the ultimate accolade in recognition of their sensational Tokyo 2020 gold medals as they were named World Sailors of the Year.
The women's 470 Olympic champions made history this summer, with Mills becoming the most successful female Olympic sailor of all time with two golds and a silver to her name, while McIntyre equalled the success of her father Mike who took the top spot in the Star class at Seoul 1988.
The pair saw off some of the biggest names in women's sailing to take top gong including Brazil's two-time Olympic champion Martine Grael, kitefoil world champion Daniela Moroz from the USA and French round-the-world yachtswoman Clarisse Cremer.
"I am completely blown away," said Mills, from Cardiff. "The line up this year was absolutely incredible. I am so proud of Eilidh for everything she put into this Olympic campaign, she was the absolute best teammate. I am really honoured.
"I feel privileged to be a female in sailing right now, there are so many opportunities out there. I really hope to be a part of forging the pathway for female sailors of today and for the future. It is inspirational to be part of a federation like World Sailing who take sustainability so seriously and I feel so lucky to be involved in such an amazing sport."
McIntyre, from Hayling Island, Hants, added: "I just want to say thank you to Hannah, and everyone for voting for us and for all of your support. We wouldn't be here without all of the amazing women pushing us."
The pair picked up 37 per cent of the public vote, making them clear winners.
Also in the British Sailing Team, double Olympic champion Giles Scott was shortlisted for the men's award, but was beaten to it by Australian SailGP star Tom Slingsby.