Olympic Champions Take Fifth in Successful Come-Back

Published On: 3 September 2009

Tessa Parkinson (left) and Elise Rechichi were back in the swing in Denmark

WAIS scholarship holders and 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallists Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson have made a solid return to racing after an extended break following last year’s Games.

470 Olympic champions – and current joint WAIS Athlete of the Year – Rechichi and Parkinson competed at the 470 class World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark capturing a fifth place finish.

The result was considered an excellent result given the pair had been out of training since winning gold in the same class a year earlier.

With a fleet of over 50 competing, the WAIS duo proved they had lost none of their tactical wares, regularly finishing in the upper rungs and winning a round to firmly place themselves in medal contention.

Also competing in Denmark were young WAIS 470 pair Stacey Omay and Chelsea Hall, who gained valuable experience amongst a quality field, finishing 30th overall.

Omay and Hall, competed in the silver fleet in the medal rounds, winning their last five races, proving the next generation of sailing talent will be one to watch.

WAIS Head sailing coach Belinda Stowell was a member of the Australian coaching staff in Copenhagen, taking charge of the three women crews.

Gold was claimed by the Dutch crew of Lisa Westerhof and Lobke Berkhout, with Spain taking silver and France bronze.