The Medalist Newsletter is your source for updates on the U.S. Olympic Sailing Program, the US Sailing Team and the Olympic Development Program. This is our path to the podium.
US Sailing Team at The Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs
Rarely do you find all of our sailors together in the same place at the same time, let alone at a venue without water...
Earlier this month, the US Sailing Team gathered at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (USOTC) to address the off the water components of their training and to complete final planning for the year ahead. The athletes conducted fitness testing, learned from physicians, set objectives for 2019 and beyond, and found inspiration from legendary skier and Olympic Gold Medalist, Bode Miller.
The U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Olympic Training Center programs.
Opportunities like this are made possible by the contributions and donations from our generous US Sailing Team supporters. Thank you for your continued support!
Setting the Bar
Every year, each of these athletes participate in fitness testing to set benchmarks for their training. This year, the sailors took advantage of this state-of-the-art fitness center and resources, where countless Olympians have trained to be the best in their sport. US Sailing Team athletes learned new techniques and built customized plans to optimize their physical performance on the water.
While the sailors were putting in work at the fitness center, the coaches and team staff investigated new technologies that will help the athletes reach their peak performance. In the upcoming months, the athletes will be experimenting with some of these new gadgets in their training at the gym and on the water. Stay tuned to learn more.
Pictured - Trevor Burd, 49er
Building Success on Land
The sailors took advantage of time away from the water by focusing on the mental aspects of high-performance sailing demands. The Team had a chance to share notes on the 2020 Olympic venue, hear some words of wisdom from Olympic athletes from other sports, and bond with their teammates.
The team began their classroom sessions with some inspiration from six-time Olympic Medalist, Bode Miller. Chris Barnard (Laser) appreciated how the champion skier shared his thoughts on the mindset required to win and overcome adversity, "He was just confident in his process and didn't let others and outside noise deter him. He found his source of inspiration and mental preparation to bring consistency and top performances." Miller also spoke to the value of having a team, even in individual-type sports like skiing and sailing.
The entirety of the US Sailing Team rarely trains in the same location. The cohesive environment at the USOTC offered a lot of team camaraderie that the sailors don't normally experience in their individual training.
Credits:
Mark Reis and John Bertrand