It should be no surprise to anyone that reads my blog that I want to win a gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016., I have been talking about it a lot over the last year and have been focused on gaining the experience to get me there!
My campaign is focused on specific steps leading my to Rio, and these steps are a little different than most seeking Olympic ambitions. The current target in front of me is winning the US Sailing Youth Champs and qualifying for the 2014 ISAF Youth World Championships, which are both at the same regatta in Texas this coming August. Because Taylor is no longer age-eligible for Youth Worlds, I have had to find a new crew on my boat and certainly sailing with him will take considerable time as we prepare for Youth Champs. I also have a specific workout routine that I follow with my trainer, Chris Herrera at Jaguar PT in Coconut Grove, Florida.
Since being named to the US Sailing Development Team this year, Chris has increased my training activity and has created a physical development plan designed to maximize my strength and flexibility at Youth Champs in August.
While I know that fitness is important in sailing, Chris has a great approach to making sure that I stay focused and follow the program so that I can achieve my fitness goals and win at Youth Champs. The system, tools and exercises are all designed to enable an active sailor the ability to workout even with our hectic travel, regatta and practice schedules and to take the tools we need in our carry-on luggage!
Over the next few weeks I am going to be sailing in Los Angeles, Sarasota, Miami, Long Island, Cleveland, Newport and in Europe and the program that Chris has laid out for me will allow me to stay focused on my sailing while building strength necessary to reach my short and long term goals!
I hope to see you on the water soon!