Sailor Jaime Ryan selected to Aussie Olympic Team

The 49er and 49er FX Sailing crews to represent Australia in Tokyo 2020 were named today in Sydney, featuring Rio Olympian Jamie Ryan (NSW).

Ryan, will partner with Olympic debutant Tess Lloyd in the 49er FX class, whilst brothers Sam and William Phillips will also make their Olympic debut in Tokyo sailing the 49er class.

The sailors will race on Enoshima Harbour in Tokyo, the same venue used at the 1964 Games.

Australian Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020 Ian Chesterman welcomed the four sailors to the Tokyo 2020 Team.

“Congratulations to Jaime, Tess, Sam and William on being selected to the Olympic Team today,” Mr Chesterman said.

“It’s exciting to see Sailing put together such a world class team, and I look forward to seeing them take on the challenge in Tokyo.

“It is a phenomenal accomplishment to make an Olympic Team and today is worth celebrating not just for the selected athletes, but their coaches, support staff, families friends and supporters who helped make them the athletes and people they are today.

“All four athletes have shown incredible dedication and talent to reach this stage and I look forward to seeing them continue towards Tokyo.”

Twenty-four-year-old Tess Lloyd paid tribute to her teammate Ryan for pushing the pair to new heights this season.

“Jaime and I been sailing together for two years and we’ve clicked. Jaime brings so much to the team from Rio, has so much maturity and experience.

“In the moment, when we’re on the boat, I can’t explain it – the communication’s flowing, decisions instinctively, it all comes together.  In the middle of the chaos there’s no double guessing, it feels natural.

Australian Sailing Team Performance Director, Iain Murray AM, congratulated the athletes who were selected from a highly competitive selection process.

“We are fortunate to have fantastic depth in our skiff classes, and both decisions were extremely difficult for the nomination panel,” Mr Murray said. “The two teams selected deserve this opportunity, and we look forward to watching them race in Enoshima later this year.”

Today’s selection takes the announced Australian Team for Tokyo 2020 to 19 athletes of an expected 480-strong Team size.

Nomination for Nacra class is still to be finalised by Australian Sailing. Relevant athletes are currently in discussions with Australian Sailing and nominations will be made to the AOC when finalised.