Sail Canada appoints Anders Gustafsson as new High Performance Director
by Sail Canada 7 May 15:16 PDT
Sail Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Anders Gustafsson as its new High Performance Director.
Anders Gustafsson combines over 25 years of experience in high performance sports - first, as a canoe sprint athlete, and then in various technical and coaching leadership positions.
After becoming Canoe Kayak Canada National Team General Manager and Head Coach in 2022 - having previously been their Olympic and Paralympic Team Head Coach starting in 2017 - Anders Gustafsson led the Canoe Kayak Canada National Team to five medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Anders Gustafsson was previously an athlete in canoe sprint in the K1 500m event. He took part in four Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012), 11 World Championships and a dozen World Cups and European Championships. He was crowned World Champion in his event in 2010, before retiring in 2013.
From a sailboat to two America's Cups
It is in sailing, however, that Anders Gustafsson started his journey in sports.
Raised in Sweden, he grew up sailing with his family, which led him to compete in two campaigns of the America's Cup (AC35 Auckland and AC36 Bermuda).
"We're thrilled to welcome Anders to our team," said Sail Canada's Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Kelly. "His blend of Olympic experience, leadership in high performance sport, and roots in sailing make him uniquely suited to lead the next chapter of our high performance program. Anders shares our belief that supporting athletes starts with building strong team culture and aligning systems from club-level racing to the Canadian Sailing Team. The crossover of his expertise and his athlete-first philosophy make him a valuable addition to the Canadian sailing community. We're excited for what's ahead."
"I'm honoured to join Sail Canada and return to the sport that first sparked my love for the water," said Anders Gustafsson. "Canada has incredible sailing talent and potential, and I'm excited to work with athletes, coaches, and stakeholders across the country to build a system that supports performance at every level."
Anders Gustafsson will be based in Montreal and will report to Sail Canada's National Office in Kingston. He will officially assume his duties starting in early June.