Wearn Misses Olympic Selection

WAIS sailor Matt Wearn has had his bid for the Rio Games ended after Yachting Australia formally nominated NSW athlete Tom Burton for selection on the Australian Olympic Team.

The duo ranked number one and two in the world, had been locked in an extended selection battle for the single qualification spot available in the men’s laser, with the sport’s governing body last Friday deciding on the 25 year-old former world championship medallist Burton.

Whilst getting so close to Olympic selection is a bitter pill for Wearn, the 20 year-old was magnanimous upon receiving the news and has already set sights on Tokyo in four years’ time, according to Australian Sailing Team High Performance Director Peter Conde.

“One of the interesting things about this selection battle is how closely Matt and Tom have worked together,” Conde said.

“To have them ranked world number one and two is a testament to working together and to coach Michael Blackburn.

“The Tokyo Games, they were his words to me when I spoke to Matt to tell him Tom had been selected.

“Matt is steadily improving and has outstanding potential.”

For Burton’s part, he knows what Wearn is going through, after he was overlooked for selection in 2012, for eventual London Olympics gold medallist Tom Slingsby.

“The battle was of the highest standard. At the moment we are ranked one and two in the world,” Burton said.

“Sailing’s a harsh sport where only one person can go per class. Four years ago it was me in his shoes helping Tom Slingsby train in the lead up to London. The battle this time though was much closer for selection.”

Australia won three gold medals and one silver in London and was the most successful contributor to the nation’s overall medal tally.