WAIS Golden Girls Earn Olympic Selection

Western Australian Institute of Sport sailing athletes Elise Rechichi and Belinda Stowell have been officially selected by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The pair – both Olympic gold medallists – will compete in the 470 class in Weymouth and will form part of the 13-strong Australian Sailing Team for London.

Rechichi who won gold with fellow West Australian Tessa Parkinson in Beijing four years ago, will defend her Olympic title alongside Sydney 2000 Olympic champion Belinda Stowell, after both athletes came out of retirement for another shot at Olympic glory.

“Defending gold for anyone is a huge task and a real challenge, there are no guarantees at an Olympics, second, third, fourth time around,” 26-year-old Rechichi said.

“Going into this Games I probably understand a bit better what it took to be successful in China but things have moved forward in the last four years and there is a different recipe for success now.

“I’ve had quite a different campaign, last time it was a long slog over four years and for London it’s been quite short and the reality is there’s a lot of pressure going back as defending champion and we’re taking it one step at a time.”

Stowell is relishing the opportunity to compete at an Olympic Games for the first time since Athens in 2004, having coached Rechichi and Parkinson in the lead up to Beijing.

“It’s the pinnacle of our sport and the racing at the Olympics is something that’s quite different to all the other racing that we do,” said Stowell. “Being the pinnacle of the sport it’s the most amazing experience to be able to race and test yourself in that environment.”

After just a few weeks together, Rechichi and Stowell placed ninth at the 2011 World Championships, qualifying Australia the 470 women’s spot for London and proving that despite their limited preparation they will be a force to be reckoned with in Weymouth.

The pair’s selection has taken WA’s numbers for London up to 15.