Tom Ashley misses out on 2012 London Olympic Games spot as Jon Paul Tobin overpowers him
Despite winning the RS:X Men Olympics gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, New Zealand’s Tom Ashley could not impress the selection committee to participate in the 2012 London Olympic Games. Ashley was overpowered by compatriot, Jon Paul Tobin,
who took fifth podium place in the RS:X Men category race at 2011 Perth ISAF Sailing World Championship.
The defending Olympics champion finished on sixth position, just one place down to JP Tobin, in the final category standings and missed out the Olympics spot. The Olympics selection was announced by Yachting New Zealand on Wednesday, December 21. Tobin has
surpassed Ashley for the third time during the current year.
The selection was finalised after analysing the performance showed by both windsurfers during the 2011 Perth ISAF Sailing World Championship, which concluded on Sunday, December 18, in Australia. Tobin, due to his fifth finish in the RS:X Men standings,
was selected to represent his country in the upcoming Olympics.
Speaking to Fairfax NZ after his selection, Tobin said, “It's a massive day, not just for me, but for all the people who have supported me. It's been the best year of my career and I feel like I've earned my place. I'm just looking to push past that next
year now.”
Blair Tuke and Peter Burling, who clinched the silver medal in 49er category, will also sail in the Olympics. The pair already knows the pros and cons of sailing in Olympics, as they have represented their country at the 2008 Beijing edition of the event.
After participating at the 2008 Olympics, they became the youngest sailors to represent New Zealand in the respective Games.
Blair spoke to the media and said, “We're really growing in confidence and moving steadily up the results table. Being named to the Olympic team is a huge boost and we're focused on an even better performance at London next year.”
On the other hand, bronze medallists in 470 Women category of 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championship, Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie, have also made their way through the selection process and will take part in the London Olympics. Their fellow bronze medallist
in Laser class, Andrew Murdoch, will also accompany them on their journey to London next year.
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