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Jerwood, de Vries to sail in delayed Games

3 minute read

Perth sailors Nia Jerwood and Monique de Vries have been added to an Australian Olympic sailing squad keen to continue the country's prolific medal run.

Nia Jerwood and Monique de Vries will sail for Australia in the women's 470 class in Japan, becoming the first athletes added to the Olympic team this year for July's delayed Games.

The Perth pair, crowned Australia's women's sailors of the year in 2019, will join an ambitious sailing contingent poised to deliver more silverware after a haul of six gold from the last three Olympics.

Jerwood (23) and de Vries (25) surged into the reckoning in 2019, winning World Cup Series silver in Enoshima - the venue for this July's Olympics regatta - and earning a Tokyo Games quota spot with a top 10 finish at the World Championships.

"We knew we were a chance of selection after our performance at the World Cup event in 2019, so with everything that has happened since that time we went through a rollercoaster of emotion to now arrive here," Jerwood said.

"We've used the last year as preparation, working on our weaknesses to become more well-rounded athletes.

"We know we've gotten faster, our technique and speed have improved and we're ready to put in our best performance in Tokyo."

They are coached by Sydney Olympic 470 champion Belinda Stowell and join a 12-strong team stacked with current and former world and Games champions for the delayed Games.

"It's really special to now be part of Australia's Olympic heritage in sailing," de Vries said.

"Nia and I have had so many great influences from the team over the years, it's just an honour to now join that."

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