Brits philosophical after OCS disappointment
by Mark Jardine & Andi Robertson 8 Aug 2024 13:07 BST
8 August 2024
John Gimson and Anna Burnet (GBR) OCS in the Mixed Multihull Medal Race at Paris2024 on August 8, 2024 in Marseille, France © World Sailing / Lloyd Images
Going into the Mixed Multihull Medal Race in the bronze medal position, albeit tied with the Kiwis on points, was a strong position for Great Britain's John Gimson and Anna Burnet, but being over the start line, and not returning, dashed any chances of a medal.
The couple, while disappointed, refused to be downcast and focused on the positives of their campaign and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
"We were over at the line at the start. We didn't think we were so we carried on with the race. We made one small error at the start but it's been a great Olympics, a really great campaign," said Anna Burnett.
John Gimson added, "I'd say the OCS is probably the most brutal way to lose because it's so out of our control.
"I'm so proud of this week, how we sailed. We knew it would be a hard venue and we chipped away in every race and got ourselves to where we wanted. I felt so in control of ourselves going into that start, what the plan was, where the Kiwis were. We made one mistake and it's cost us another Olympic medal so you can imagine what we're going through."
"In that moment, it's devastating. It's a bad dream." remarked Anna, "but we're proud of all we've done. We've been on the podium at every single regatta this campaign. That's sport - sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. We sailed really well.
"Obviously massive congratulations to the Italians, the Argentinians and the Kiwis and thanks so much to everyone who's got us here, Iain Percy, it's been tough for him too. Thanks to the National Lottery. Thank you to everyone. What a journey. We did our best."
She concluded with thoughts on the future, "Obviously, there's no-one I'd rather be here with on this whole journey, and we're so, so lucky that we get to do this together. The highs and lows we're riding together. There's life and there's sport and in this moment, I suppose, life and sport are a little bit separate to us. The sport's more brutal but life goes on and we'll get married and, you know, life will be great."