Ben Austin

Starting Age

4

Campaign Website

www.australiansailingteam.com.au

Classes Sailed

Laser Radial, Laser, 18' Skiff

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)

Most Admired Person

Those that have succeeded over many years in different classes. Incl Ben Ainslie, Robert Schiedt.

Hometown

Kurrajong

Non Sailing Achievement

99.45/100 UAI at High schoolGraduated as a Physiotherapist

Current Class

49er

Yacht Club

Belmont 16' Sailing Club

Boat First Sailed

Mirror

Yacht Club Location

Lake Macquarie, NSW

Most Influential Person

Lots of people. My parents and my coaches by far and away have been the most helpful and supportive.

Injuries

Low back problems for 3 years while sailing lasers.Lots of bruises and bumps from 49ers!

First Event Competed

Port Phillip Regatta, 1992

Languages Spoken

English

Superstitions

Perserverance and hard work are the keys to success, never get a haircut during a regatta. never wear the regatta t-shirt before the end of the regatta.

Coach

Emmett Lazich

Awards

2000 Australian Sports Medal, 2001 Australian and NSW Youth Sailor of the Year, 2000 NSWIS Award for Academic Excellence.

Best Sporting Achievement

Winning 2000 Youth Worlds & winning 2008 49er World Championship - we went into the Medal Race equal on points with the 2007 Champs and then lead the race from start to finish in perfect 15kn conditions in our home country

Coached Since

2005

Why This Sport

Love the mix of physical fitness, highly technical skills, and complex tactics and strategies. No other sport has that all round challenge.

First Event Won

Youth Regatta, Virginia USA. 1994

Racing Age

10

General Interest

Outdoor adventure activities - mountain biking, hiking, windsurfing, kayaking, bushwalking etc

Amusing Sporting Episode

Any day on a 49er

Ambitions

Be able to inspire and help others in achieving their dreams, Return to work as a Physiotherapist, Have a family (a bit later onâ?¦)