With Tokyo 2020 just two years away, CNN's Mainsail visited the Sailing World Championships in Denmark, to discover if there is a secret recipe to Olympic success.
With Tokyo 2020 just two years away, CNN's Mainsail visited the Sailing World Championships in Denmark, to discover if there is a secret recipe to Olympic success.
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It appears money helps. Team GB are the most successful sailing nation in Olympic history. It tops the all-time medal table with 28 golds. Notably, 12 of those have come since the 2000 Sydney Games. It has also been the best-funded team in the sport for many years.
It appears money helps. Team GB are the most successful sailing nation in Olympic history. It tops the all-time medal table with 28 golds. Notably, 12 of those have come since the 2000 Sydney Games. It has also been the best-funded team in the sport for many years.
British Sailing's Director of Racing Ian Walker accepts the introduction of funding from UK Sport in 1997 was an important moment that "revolutionized" the team. It allowed sailors to turn professional and concentrate solely on being the best athletes they could be.
British Sailing's Director of Racing Ian Walker accepts the introduction of funding from UK Sport in 1997 was an important moment that "revolutionized" the team. It allowed sailors to turn professional and concentrate solely on being the best athletes they could be.
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A product of this is Ben Ainslie. The Brit is the most decorated sailor in Olympic history, with four golds and one silver medal. Despite being talented as a youngster, Ainslie believes his success is down to hardwork and unrivaled determination.
A product of this is Ben Ainslie. The Brit is the most decorated sailor in Olympic history, with four golds and one silver medal. Despite being talented as a youngster, Ainslie believes his success is down to hardwork and unrivaled determination.
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The Dutch team does not have the same funding as Team GB. Despite this, it is still able to compete on the elite stage. It won three gold medals at the recent World Championships; Britain failed to win any. This is because it targets funding around events where it boasts talented athletes.
The Dutch team does not have the same funding as Team GB. Despite this, it is still able to compete on the elite stage. It won three gold medals at the recent World Championships; Britain failed to win any. This is because it targets funding around events where it boasts talented athletes.
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One of these identified athletes is Marit Bouwmeester. She won gold in the Women's Laser Radial class at Rio 2016 but believes her success is not due to natural born talent. In fact, Bouwmeester doesn't believes in talent at all. She thinks those who train the most will be the best at their discipline.
One of these identified athletes is Marit Bouwmeester. She won gold in the Women's Laser Radial class at Rio 2016 but believes her success is not due to natural born talent. In fact, Bouwmeester doesn't believes in talent at all. She thinks those who train the most will be the best at their discipline.
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So it appears there are many factors that breed Olympic success. Team GB perfectly demonstrate how money is important, allowing athletes to train full-time. Talent is also crucial in getting a head start over other competitors. But the main thing seems to be determination and a willingness to win at all costs.
So it appears there are many factors that breed Olympic success. Team GB perfectly demonstrate how money is important, allowing athletes to train full-time. Talent is also crucial in getting a head start over other competitors. But the main thing seems to be determination and a willingness to win at all costs.
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