Nathan Wilmot - 470 - Men's Two-Person Dinghy - Helm
Three times World Champion & Athens 2004 Olympian
ISAF World Ranked 1st
DOB: 13th December 1979
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Club: Middle Harbour Yacht Club
Results:
2007 Olympic Test Event - Gold
2007 World Championship - Gold
2007 Sail Brisbane – Silver
2007 Sydney International Regatta – Bronze
2007 Australian Men’s 470 Championships – Silver
2007 North American Championships – Silver
2007 Kiel Week (ISAF Grade 1) - Bronze
2008 Australian National Championship - Gold
2008 Sydney International Regatta (ISAF Grade 1) – Gold
2008 Men’s 470 World Championship – 8th
2008 Delta-Lloyd Regatta - Gold
2008 470 European Championships - Gold
Nathan's Story:
Growing up in one of Sydney’s leading sailing families it was a foregone conclusion that Nathan, the eldest of four children would wet his feet at an early age.
Father Jamie was reserve for the 1976 Olympic Team and represented in the ‘84 games, while Uncle Bobby competed in ’84 and ’88 and both are still winning sailing trophies.
In tandem with sailing Nathan also swam at State level until he was 13. Although he confesses “I found it a bit boring.” He also played soccer for 10 years, loves a game of golf and watches rugby. Surprisingly at 11 years of age he also won a South Pacific Championship for dancing.
Nathan takes everything in his stride; nothing much fazes him but he says winning two 470 World titles “Are pretty good memories to have.” The 27 year-old no doubt adds marrying Shona, his girlfriend of five years to those memories.
Whether or not he is selected for Beijing Nathan says he would have a go at another campaign. Between times and into the future, sailing for a living is the plan. “I would like to complete an America’s Cup campaign and other big boat events – preferably in fleet racing.”
Has he learnt from past mistakes? “Yes I’ve learnt to be more patient – and to get used to the atmosphere of Olympic sailing. In 2004 our first time we just let the experience get on top of us – that won’t happen with Beijing.”
Both his father and uncle have given the 27 year-old some good advice on Olympic representation and he says sailing on big boats, which he has done a bit of over the last few years has helped. Should he make the Australian Olympic Team this time around, some of his family will travel to China to cheer him on.
In February 2006 Nathan and his crew Malcolm Page were announced AIS 2005 Team of the Year of which he is inordinately proud. “Bundy and Forbesy (Darren Bundock and John Forbes) are the only other sailors to have won that award – so that was pretty cool.”
What keeps Nathan focused? “Dad! He’s a great sailor and he knows what’s required. But I’m influenced by Mum – she keeps kicking my backside! Victor Kovalenko – he’s been a huge influence for both me and Malcolm for a while.”
What are his thoughts on Beijing: “We are going there to win a medal – a Gold one I hope. This time I am going to take in more of the atmosphere and ceremonies too – I loved it last time but it was our first so you don’t remember everything.”
