Young Sailors Inspired by AFL Stars
The captive audience of sailors from the Emerging Nations Program did not let the day’s downpour distract them from Kennedy and LeCras’ words of wisdom.
“These guys are professional players and they train so hard, so to hear about what they do is really, really useful,” said Trinidad and Tobago Laser sailor, Andrew Lewis.
The Eagles’ leading goal kicker Josh Kennedy compared his experiences in the AFL (Australian Football League) with the intensive training camps undertaken by sailors like Lewis.
“We talked to them about their regime and about their training, and it’s pretty similar to what we do in terms of getting ready for competition,” said Kennedy.
“It was definitely very interesting to see how professional their sport is and we could compare a lot of things, like the weights program and dietary program,” said West Coast Eagles teammate Mark LeCras.
Twenty-two-year-old Lewis was grateful for the insight into Kennedy and LeCras’ preparations ahead of the 2012 AFL season.
“We’ve seen a bit of AFL while we’ve been here in camps,” he said. “It’s really interesting to find out how they prepare and the professionalism of these guys.”
Lewis is one of 12 athletes selected for camp seven of the Emerging Nations Programme (ENP) including competition at the Worlds in Perth.
The Programme has provided 30 athletes from developing sailing nations with the opportunity to participate and qualify for the Olympic Games through intensive training camps. Since July 2009, seven training camps have taken place in Western Australia.
Colombian laser sailor Audrey Quintero believes his personal experiences training in Australia will help improve Colombia’s depth of talent.
“I have taken back what we have learnt here at the ENP - the training, the fitness, the theory and the schedules,” he said.
Quintero, who is president of the Colombian Laser Association, predicted sailing’s profile in his country will grow as a result of increased participation in world class competitions.
“It is different in Colombia with sailing and participation,” he said. “But the people we have met through ENP and what we have been able to learn is just so great, it has been fantastic.”