Sterritt does Scotland proud with solid 49er performance at Paris 2024

© World Sailing

Scottish sailor Fynn Sterritt has dreamed of the Olympics since he was a kid. This week, that dream became a reality.

Together with 49er partner James Peters, Fynn has been fighting hard out in Marseille.

Despite missing out on a medal earlier today, the pair put in a fantastic performance throughout preliminary and medal racing, with light conditions proving a challenge.

But, their 7^th place overall finish wasn’t without some standout moments, with Peters and Sterritt snatching a first place finish on Tuesday.

© World Sailing

Hailing from Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands, Fynn has been campaigning with James Peters since 2014.

And, it’s not been an easy ride to The Games, missing out on Olympic selection in previous cycles.

But, with a 49er career to shout about – the pair were ranked World No.1’s for a period during 2018-2019, and had been showing their good form earlier this season, bagging the European 49er Title back in May.

This week, the pair had a mixed bag or results, but showcased their drive by steadily climbing the rankings, comfortably securing a medal race spot.

Speaking ahead of the medal race, Sterritt said:

“You’ve got to believe we’re going to keep flying till the end.”

And fly they did, with a medal race finish of 7^th not necessarily reflecting how tight competition had been around the course.

© World Sailing

The action spilled into today following two failed medal race attempts yesterday, which were ultimately abandoned due to light winds.

That didn’t quieten any support from home however – with crowds from Loch Morlich Sailing Club gathering to celebrate their local athlete, with lots of happy faces pleased to watch a personal message from Fynn himself. 

Following today’s race, Fynn said:

“You just want to go out there and make people proud.

“I know we have and that support is huge. To see the pictures from James’s sailing club at Hayling Island and from my sailing club back at Loch Morlich - that's been amazing.

"Obviously they watched the medal race too and I saw all the photos and videos from that. It was so nice to see everybody together and watching us and trying to cheer us on from afar.

“Their support is absolutely everything. I hope they managed to tune in today as well.”

With friends, coaches, locals, and representatives from RYA Scotland all there to reflect on Fynn’s journey, celebrate his successes, and cheer him on – the atmosphere was simply fantastic.

And we’ll keep cheering you on Fynn, in all your endeavours – RYA Scotland and the wider boating community are so proud.

For more on the sailing at Paris 2024, check out the British Sailing Team website for the full lowdown. 

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