UNIVERSITY of New England (UNE) students Sarah Cook and Elise Rechichi have one goal, to win gold at Rio in 2016.
The duo has recently competed in the European Championships in Formia, Italy in the 470 and 49er FX sailing classes and placed 13th in a field of over 40 boats.
They met only eight months ago and have formed a formidable partnership. Both are talented and determined young sportswomen who have achieved in their own right.
Sarah, a UNE Sporting Scholarship recipient is a nine-time Australian representative, and dual Olympian in rowing. Elise, one of UNE’s Elite Athletes, is a dual Olympian and the 2008 Olympic Gold medallist in the 470 class for sailing.
Formia was their second full International Regatta as a team. The first one was in Medemblik, Netherlands back in June, where the conditions were the worst Elise had sailed in, in her 20-year sporting career.
“Conditions were very tough in Medemblik. I am learning with sailing to always expect the unexpected, and really that’s all part of the fun,” Sarah said.
The girls are looking towards the World Champs in La Rochelle, France in August, where they hope to finish in the top 10.
“Yachting Australia set a target for us of top 20 by the worlds, but we will be fighting for top eight to put ourselves in the medal race, which at this stage in our development would be awesome,” Sarah said.
Meanwhile, the duo have been in Santander in Spain at a training camp with the Spanish team. This is also the venue for the 2014 ISAF World Championships which will be the first Olympic qualification regatta.
