Three time Australian Olympic sailor Karyn Gojnich has joined the board of Yachting Australia, bringing extensive experience in the high performance environment to the position.

Karyn represented Australia at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games in the 470 class, sailing alongside Nicky Bethwaite as Australia’s first all-female Olympic crew.

Karyn sailed again for Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the Yngling class before a final campaign at the recent 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, once again aboard a Yngling.

“Joining the Yachting Australia board will give me a welcome opportunity to give back to the sport that has given me so much over the years,” said Karyn.

Karyn’s recent involvement in the Australian Sailing Team allows her to bring a new perspective and opinion to the Yachting Australia board.

“The introduction of the Australian Sailing Team was a major move forward for the sport in this country. Since then every step we’ve made has been more professional than the last,” said Karyn. “It’s exciting how the team has developed and continues to support the athletes and allow them to compete at the highest level possible.”

Yachting Australia President Andrew Plympton is looking forward to working with Karyn over the coming years.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Karyn to the board, she brings a wealth of experience in the high performance arena and will provide an insight into life as an athlete as the Australian Sailing Team prepares for London 2012,” said Andrew.

“Karyn understands the pressures placed on today’s elite athletes and her input will be vital in the continual development of the Australian Sailing Team,” he said.

While Karyn is no longer campaigning for Olympic Gold she is still an active sailor and recently took part in the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta about a Yngling.

“The Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta provided a great opportunity to be out on the water with sailors of all skill and experience levels,” said Karyn. “I had a great weekend and even sailed alongside my husband and daughter on one of the days.”

Craig Heydon, Yachting Australia,

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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 March 2009 )