New Olympic events.

Some interesting stats in the last few pages, that just go to prove that people will buy the boat they want to buy.
For what it’s worth (as someone invested in the future of Olympic sailing) I think World Sailing have got their heads on backwards over this question....
At every Olympics, we (the general public) tune our TVs in to the Games NOT to watch the 100m Final, but to watch Usain Bolt. We wanted to watch Mo Farah in his races. Tom Daly in the Diving. The Weirwolf at the ParaOlympics.
You see where I’m going with this?
(Non Sailing) people only engage with our sport when they can connect with the person, like Ben Ainslie or Ellen McArthur. In the same way, I’m not a ‘Red Bull’ fan, but I really like Daniel Ricciardo.
Instead of getting wrapped around the axle about equipment, WS should be promoting our Top sailors as heroes, finding ways to enable the local (and global) population to connect with and support the sailors in various classes on the international circuit.
The kids I coach week in, week out are really in to this sport, yet it’s impossible to get a poster of Hannah Mills, Giles Scott, Slingsby, Burton, Nirko, Mas etc, when there should be ways to get them for free. If the kids at every school near Hyeres were given posters with all 40 competitors from a Class on them, then told they could go and get them signed by the sailors at the event, it wouldn’t take long for interest (and viewing figures) to grow.
People don’t connect with equipment, they connect with people.

Originally posted by Bootscooter At every Olympics, we (the general public) tune our TVs in to the Games NOT to watch the 100m Final, but to watch Usain Bolt.

But doesn't the event make the personality rather than vice versa? Mens 100M winners are far more celebrated than other events... Lets face it can any of you name any triple jumpers other than wotsit Edwards, and wasn't he famous only because most of the rest of the pom team at the time was incapable of winning anything more than an egg and spoon race?

Edited by JimC - 26 May 18 at 8:35pm

Originally posted by JimC Originally posted by Bootscooter At every Olympics, we (the general public) tune our TVs in to the Games NOT to watch the 100m Final, but to watch Usain Bolt. But doesn't the event make the personality rather than vice versa? Mens 100M winners are far more celebrated than other events... Lets face it can any of you name any triple jumpers other than wotsit Edwards, and wasn't he famous only because most of the rest of the pom team at the time was incapable of winning anything more than an egg and spoon race?

I think he was also famous for banging on about Christianity. Given that would require going to church rather the local pond on a Sunday, probably best we avoid making fan machines out of more Jonathan Edwardses.


Btw I agree with your point, the event makes the star. You only have to look at the UKs most successful sportsman to realise it was totally appropriate for Deadpool to take the piss out of his nancy voice and dubious personality, or lack there of.

Edited by turnturtle - 27 May 18 at 1:25pm

Originally posted by 423zero Eddie the eagle ???

Good example. If he'd been last by a mile in a misc skiing event who would have cared.

Usain bolt, his personality will give him a future, regardless of event he would have been noticed, some people will always shine.
Oscar Pistorious, was a brilliant ambassador for paralympics, who could not marvel at his speed, but he was rarely interviewed, he did not have the outgoing personality of Bolt, his event made him.