Paris 2024 Olympics: Matt Wearn starts Olympic defence, Grae Morris going for gold

Matt Wearn has kicked off his Olympic defence on the water but off it he has inspired a fighting comeback which will deliver sailing its first medal in Marseille courtesy of his biggest fan.

Grae Morris competing on his iQFOiL.

It was one of the worst starts to a regatta he has ever had but when it happened at the Olympics Grae Morris had a man by his side who knew exactly how to turn it around – teammate and Olympic champion Matt Wearn.

Wearn, who started his Olympic defence on Thursday, won gold at the Tokyo Games after a shocking 17th and 25th in his opening two races – results he has tattooed on his arm as a reminder of his fightback for victory in the single-handed Laser class.

Now the story of his recovery – which included Wearn stringing together six top four finishes and winning gold with a race in hand – will help deliver Australia its first medal at the 2024 Games.

“Wearny inspired me after the first race by telling me his Olympic story (from Tokyo),’’ Morris revealed after a 13th and 25th put him on the back foot at the start of his iQFOiL windsurfing campaign.

“So I had him in my head. Thanks mate.’’

Grae Morris is now on track for our first sailing medal.

Morris is a former schoolboy rugby player whose laid-back nature has worked in his favour in the tense boat park in Marseille.

“I just zone in on myself,’’ Morris said. “Just treat it like it’s a normal regatta and try not to freak. It seems to be working.’’

Morris posted a fourth in his first race on Thursday followed by a seventh and eighth to retain his grip on the crucial No. 1 spot which has earned him an automatic place in the three board race-off for medals on Friday subject to protest.

Matt Wearn checking out the course in Marseille before his regatta.

Wearn, one of the most watched men at the Olympics due to his red hot form since winning in Tokyo, recovered from a slow start to his Olympic opener to finish 12th before adding a second to his scorecard to be placed second overall behind Peruvian Stefanpo Peschiera.

Zoe Thomson kicked off her first Olympic campaign with a 12th in the ILCA 6 fleet.

Thomson is considered a medal chance after some strong lead-in performances in the single-handed women's class.

Originally published as Paris 2024 Olympics: Matt Wearn starts Olympic defence, Grae Morris going for gold