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.
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.’’
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.
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.
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