Please select your home edition
Edition
Barton Marine Pipe Glands

Brits philosophical after OCS disappointment

by Mark Jardine & Andi Robertson 8 Aug 2024 22:07 AEST 8 August 2024
John Gimson and Anna Burnet (GBR) OCS in the Mixed Multihull Medal Race at Paris2024 on August 8, 2024 in Marseille, France © World Sailing / Lloyd Images

Going into the Mixed Multihull Medal Race in the bronze medal position, albeit tied with the Kiwis on points, was a strong position for Great Britain's John Gimson and Anna Burnet, but being over the start line, and not returning, dashed any chances of a medal.

The couple, while disappointed, refused to be downcast and focused on the positives of their campaign and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"We were over at the line at the start. We didn't think we were so we carried on with the race. We made one small error at the start but it's been a great Olympics, a really great campaign," said Anna Burnett.

John Gimson added, "I'd say the OCS is probably the most brutal way to lose because it's so out of our control.

"I'm so proud of this week, how we sailed. We knew it would be a hard venue and we chipped away in every race and got ourselves to where we wanted. I felt so in control of ourselves going into that start, what the plan was, where the Kiwis were. We made one mistake and it's cost us another Olympic medal so you can imagine what we're going through."

"In that moment, it's devastating. It's a bad dream." remarked Anna, "but we're proud of all we've done. We've been on the podium at every single regatta this campaign. That's sport - sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. We sailed really well.

"Obviously massive congratulations to the Italians, the Argentinians and the Kiwis and thanks so much to everyone who's got us here, Iain Percy, it's been tough for him too. Thanks to the National Lottery. Thank you to everyone. What a journey. We did our best."

She concluded with thoughts on the future, "Obviously, there's no-one I'd rather be here with on this whole journey, and we're so, so lucky that we get to do this together. The highs and lows we're riding together. There's life and there's sport and in this moment, I suppose, life and sport are a little bit separate to us. The sport's more brutal but life goes on and we'll get married and, you know, life will be great."

Related Articles

Just another event?
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon... Posted on 4 Aug
Fastnet Race, RS Aeros, Isle of Wight
Fastnet Race, RS Aero Worlds, GL50s, Isle of Wight circumnavigation When the conversation turns to the world's greatest middle-distance bluewater races, talk tends to linger on the Rolex Fastnet Race, which started on Saturday, July 26, and for great reason. Posted on 29 Jul
Of Ospreys, Eagles, Falcons, and Moths
Birds of prey. Insects. All of them airborne? How does it all apply here? Time to find out! All are airborne. The first three are birds of prey. The last one is an insect. All are so completely different. The first three have also had their name, formidable qualities and fantastic reputations applied to fantastic aircraft made by Boeing. Posted on 27 Jul
Rolex Fastnet Race Start - view from Hurst Castle
A video montage as the fleet went out of the Solent I went out to Hurst Castle with his camera and drone to capture the action as the boats, ranging from the mighty Ultim trimarans, through to the IMOCAs and grand prix yachts competing in the 2025 Admiral's Cup went through the narrrows out of the Solent. Posted on 26 Jul
(More than) A Day at the Races
The UK is the place to be right now if you're a sailor The UK is the place to be right now if you're a sailor, and I don't think I've ever known a time when so many great events are happening concurrently. Posted on 22 Jul
Were the Roos Robbed in Portsmouth?
We discuss the Race 6 Penalty with SailGP's Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell The high speed, short course action of SailGP is thrilling to watch, but inevitably causes tight situations and means the Umpires have to react quickly to decide who is right and who is wrong. Posted on 22 Jul
SailGP comes to Portsmouth!
We speak to the sailors ahead of the weekend The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth takes place this weekend, with the 12 teams competing in F50 catamarans close to the waterfront, where a massive grandstand has been built for the spectators. Posted on 18 Jul
The Ocean Cleanup's 30 Cities Program
A look at The Ocean Cleanup and its the 30 Cities Program The cliche goes that one should avoid meeting one's heroes, as there's always a chance that the flesh-and-blood person might not live up to expectations. While I've never met Boyan Slat, I'd gladly take this risk. Posted on 15 Jul
Double Double
And the rest of the line is not toil and trouble, but quadruple, then another double… On the eve of the 100th Fastnet that has attracted some 464 entries, I heard of one entry in this record fleet that seemed so very apt. Not only because it includes the Commodore of the RORC, but because it combines two Brits and two Aussies. Posted on 13 Jul
Jazz Turner Video Interview
How she Faced Everything And Rose during Project FEAR I travelled to Brighton Marina to catch up with Jazz, talking about her own sailing, the challenges she faced during the circumnavigation, how the money raised will be used, and a glimpse of her future projects! Posted on 10 Jul
Barton Marine Pipe GlandsNorth Sails Loft 57 PodcastSelden 2020 - FOOTER