Physiology made a priority for Australian sailing

In a first for sailing in Australia, a full-time physiologist has been appointed to work with the country’s top sailors.

Amy Woods will take up her new position at the NSW Institute of Sport from June 4th, tasked with providing ‘world’s best’ physiology technical expertise, services and support to the Australian Sailing Team, Australian Sailing Squad and NSWIS athletes.

Woods joins the sport of sailing following her exceptional work supporting rowing, cycling, triathlon and canoe slalom with NSWIS. The newly created position is a 50/50 co-invested role with Australian Sailing, employed by NSWIS, which reflects the strong partnership between the two sporting organisations.

The priority for Woods, who will primarily be based at the Australian Sailing National Training Centre in Middle Harbour, Sydney, will be focusing on 49er/FX, Nacra, Radial, Laser, 470 and Finn boat classes.

In a collaborative approach with sailing coaches and performance teams, Woods will seek to optimise physiological development and training loads that results in “boat fit” sailors.

CEO for the NSW Institute of Sport, Professor Kevin Thompson, speaks highly of Woods and congratulated her on the new full-time position.

“It’s excellent for Amy, I know she will do an outstanding job.

“Moreover, it’s fantastic for the sport. Sailing continues to build on their history of success and we’re proud that NSWIS are in a position to impact future performances.

“The sailing program at NSWIS is supporting athletes to become world’s best and I’m delighted to see that reflected in the results on the international stage”.

Performance Director for Australian Sailing, Iain Murray, understands the potential for this role and the future of the sport.

“We are very pleased to have Amy join the team at the National Training Centre as we focus towards Tokyo 2020” said Murray.

“This new partnership with NSWIS is allowing us to have a day to day physiology presence which will no doubt have a great impact on the performances of our athletes”.

The Australian Sailing Team is the national representative team for sailing and comprises some of the leading Olympic Class sailors in the world today.