Emma Wilson of Christchurch and Hannah Snellgrove of Lymington chosen for Paris 2024 Olympics test event in Marseille
Local sailors Hannah Snellgrove and Emma Wilson have been picked to represent Great Britain in a special Olympics test event.
The pair are part of a 14-strong squad which will head to Marseille – host city of the sailing competition at next summer’s Olympics – in July.
It is a dress rehearsal for the Games with only one entry per nation in each of the 10 classes, and the British Sailing Team is using it as a “key performance indicator” in the run-up to Paris 2024
Christchurch Windsurfer Wilson (24), who won Olympic bronze in the RS:X, has enjoyed an impressive start to the season with victory at the Princess Sofia Trophy and bronze at the iQFOiL European Championships.
She said: “I’m super happy to be able to go compete at the Olympic test event, I’m looking forward to just go give my best and enjoy the opportunity.
“Obviously it’s great practice ahead of the 2024 Olympics which I hope to win gold at, but for now I’m just loving my windsurfing and I’m grateful for all these opportunities.”
As reported in the A&T, three-time national champion Snellgrove (32), of Lymington, has just secured funding for a new £7,000-plus ILCA 6 dinghy, which she has christened Lunette.
She said: “It’s an absolute honour to be selected for the test event and to be a part of this team of incredible sailors.
“This regatta feels like a real stepping stone towards the end goal of performing at the Paris 2024 Olympics – it is a huge opportunity to learn about the Games environment and the differences that come with racing against only one competitor from each country.
“I missed out on time in Marseille last summer due to injury so I am currently really trying to maximise my understanding of the venue and can’t wait to get racing the best in world here come July.”
Selection for the test event, made by the Royal Yachting Association's Olympic Selection Committee, is a key step in the RYA's ongoing process to nominate athletes for Paris 2024 as part of Team GB.
However, it does not guarantee they will be picked.
Mark Robinson, the RYA’s performance director, said: “Attending the Olympic test event is always a key milestone in one’s Olympic campaign journey and these 14 athletes, through their recent performances, thoroughly deserve that opportunity. With a number of equipment and class changes for Paris 2024 we have selected a great mix of up-and-coming performers alongside seasoned campaigners at the highest level.”
The Paris 2024 test event runs from 9th to 16th July.
