Century of Sailing: Australia's oldest Olympian Gordon Ingate OAM turns 100
by Australian Sailing Team / Lisa Darmanin 29 Mar 08:12 BST
Gordan Ingate in his Olympic Blazer © Australian Sailing Team
Australian Sailing proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone as Gordon Ingate OAM marks his 100th birthday, a life defined by resilience, innovation, and an enduring contribution to the sport of sailing.
Australia's oldest living Olympian and one of the nation's most accomplished sailors, Ingate's journey to the Olympic stage was anything but smooth sailing.
Born in Sydney in 1926, Ingate's sailing journey began in Sea Scouts at just nine years old, before progressing into VS Skiffs. At 22, Ingate qualified for the 1948 London Olympic Games, but was unable to secure the extended leave required to travel by ship.
He qualified again for the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games, yet despite the introduction of air travel, the journey still required significant time away and once again, leave was denied.
It wasn't until 1972, at the age of 46, that Ingate finally realised his Olympic dream. Competing alongside his crew Robert Thornton in the Tempest class at the 1972 Summer Olympics, he made his long-awaited debut after decades of persistence.
Beyond the Olympic arena, Ingate's impact on sailing is both deep and wide-reaching. He Skippered Caprice of Huon as a member of Australia's Admiral's Cup team which finished second in 1965, and in 1972 he helmed the same boat to second place in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. He later helmed Gretel II's challenge for the 1977 America's Cup and continued to compete at the highest level well into his later years.
Ingate, known by the affectionate nickname 'Wingnut' was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to sailing in 2016.
In a remarkable demonstration of longevity, Ingate won the Prince Philip Cup, the Australian Dragon Class Championship, at the age of 91 at Metung Yacht Club in 2018. His lifetime of contribution was further recognised with Australian Sailing's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
Australian Sailing CEO Malcolm Page OAM paid tribute to Ingate's extraordinary life and legacy.
"Gordon represents the very best of our sport. His passion, curiosity and commitment to sailing have spanned a century, inspiring countless Australians along the way," Page said.
"To reach 100 years of age as Australia's oldest living Olympian is an incredible milestone, but it is the legacy he has built, through perseverance, innovation and a lifelong love of sailing that will stand the test of time."
On behalf of Australian Sailing, the entire sailing community wishes Gordon the Happiest 100th Birthday.