470 Mens - Australian Olympic Profile
'Qingdao Test Event Gold Medalists - Mens 470 Malcolm Page l. Nathan Wilmot r'
Rob Brown
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Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page are Australia's representatives in the 470 Mens competition. They are coached by Victor Kovalenko.
470 - Two-Person Dinghy Mens
NATHAN WILMOT
Nathan Wilmot, 470 class
ph. Andrea Francolini - AST- AndreaFrancolini © Click Here to view large photo
COACH -Victor Kovalenko
CLUB - Middle Harbour YC
Growing up in one of Sydney's leading sailing families it was a foregone conclusion that Nathan, the eldest of four children would wet his feet at an early age. His father Jamie was reserve for the 1976 Olympic Team and represented in the 1984 games, while Uncle Bobby competed in 1984 and 1988 and both are still winning sailing trophies.
In tandem with sailing Nathan also swam at State level until he was 13, although he confesses 'I found it a bit boring.' He also played soccer for ten years, loves a game of golf and watches rugby. Surprisingly, at 11 years of age he also won a South Pacific Championship for dancing.
What keeps Nathan focused? 'Dad! He's a great sailor and he knows what's required. But I'm influenced by Mum - she keeps kicking my backside! Victor Kovalenko - he's been a huge influence for both me and Malcolm for a while.'
What are his thoughts on Beijing: 'We are going there to win a medal - a Gold one I hope. This time I am going to take in more of the atmosphere and ceremonies too - I loved it last time but it was our first so you don't remember everything.'
About Nathan
Started sailing and competing: At age 4 1/2 first event competed in what Manly
Junior Championships and first event won was Manly Junior Nationals
Superstitions: No green and no haircuts during regattas
Best sporting achievements: Winning Australian Nationals with my sister, Sarah
and 5 World Championships titles
Awards: AIS team of year twice
NSW team of the year
The toughest thing about competitive sailing is: Dieting
Most influential person in my career: My mum and dad and my wife
When travelling to compete I miss: My wife and dog, chicken burgers and meat pies
Ambitions: To win an Olympic Gold Medal
Personal motto: I just love what I do
Career Highlights
2008 470 470 European Championships ITA 1st
2008 470 Men's 470 World Championship AUS 8th
2008 470 Sydney International Regatta AUS 1st
2008 470 Australian National Championship AUS 1st
2007 470 Kiel Week GER 3rd
2007 470 North American Championships USA 2nd
2007 470 Australian Men's 470 Championship AUS 2nd
2007 470 Sydney International Regatta AUS 3rd
2007 470 Sail Brisbane AUS 2nd
2007 470 World Championship POR 1st
2007 470 Olympic Test Event CHN 1st
2006 470 Sydney International Regatta Australia 2nd
2006 470 470 Australian Championship Australia 2nd
2006 470 470 World Championship China 2nd
2006 470 Qingdao International Regatta China 14th
2006 470 ISAF World Sailing Games Austria 1st
2006 470 Sail Melbourne Australia 1st
2005 470 World Championship USA 1st
2004 470 Olympic Games Athens 12th
2004 470 World Championship Croatia 1st
2003 470 Kiel Week Germany 2nd
2003 470 World Championship Spain 2nd
MALCOLM PAGE
COACH - Victor Kovalenko
CLUB - Middle Harbour YC
Malcolm remembers being plonked into a boat tied to his grandparents' wharf on the Lane Cove River as a five year old. 'I balled my eyes out - I hated every minute of it!' By age eight Malcolm had got over his fear of sailing and began racing Manly Juniors along with his two older brothers, where many elite sailors cut their teeth.
Over 20 years later the Sydney sailor and his skipper Nathan Wilmot have won five world titles, have represented Australia at the 2004 Athens Games and won many awards, the including being named AIS Team of the Year in both 2005 and 2007. At Athens 2004, things did not pan out as planned.
As 2004 world champions the two were expected to medal but finished 12th. 'Our biggest issue was psychology. It was our first Olympics and I don't think we appreciated what it was. We also made little errors that compounded and let it slip away.'
In 2008, they will put in place everything they have learnt with a view to the one prize left to claim. They have now won everything there is to win in their class except an Olympic medal.
About Malcolm
Started sailing and competing: At age 8 in the Manly Junior Southern Region Championship
First event won: Manly Junior Nationals 1985-86
Superstitions: Never have a haircut mid regatta
Best or most valued sporting achievements: Fourth 470 World Title
Awards: - AIS Team of the year 2005 & 2007
- NSW Sports Award Team of the year 2005 & 2007
- NSWIS Team of the year 2005 & 2007
The toughest thing about competitive sailing is: Being patient
Most influential person in my career: My father & coach
Before I compete I always: Put sun cream on.
I admire: Don Bradman (for his ethics & skill)
3 things I can't live without: Chocolate, my woman, my garage
When travelling to compete I miss: Australia and my friends & family
Other sporting interests: Rugby, Golf, Soccer
Apart from sailing I relax by: Being busy
I wish I could: Pay my mortgage
Career Highlights
2008 470 470 European Championships ITA 1st
2008 470 Men's 470 World Championship AUS 8th
2008 470 Sydney International Regatta AUS 1st
2008 470 Australian National Championship AUS 1st
2007 470 Kiel Week GER 3rd
2007 470 North American Championship USA 2nd
2007 470 Australian Men's 470 Championship AUS 2nd
2007 470 Sydney International Regatta AUS 3rd
2007 470 Sail Brisbane AUS 2nd
2007 470 World Championship POR 1st
2007 470 Olympic Test Event CHN 1st
2006 470 Sydney International Regatta Australia 2nd
2006 470 470 Australian Championship Australia 2nd
2006 470 470 World Championship China 2nd
2006 470 Qingdao International Regatta China 14th
2006 470 ISAF World Sailing Games Austria 1st
2006 470 Sail Melbourne Australia 1st
2005 470 World Championship USA 1st
2004 470 World Championship Croatia 1st
2004 470 Olympic Games Athens 12th
2003 470 Commonwealth Championship Australia 1st
2003 470 World Championship Spain 2nd
2003 470 Kiel Week Germany 2nd 
470 Technical Details
TYPE - CENTREBOARD BOAT
NO. OF CREW - 2
OPT CREW WEIGHT - 110 - 145
DESIGNER - ANDR? CORNU
NATIONAL ORIGINS - FRANCE
HULL MATERIAL - GRP
YEAR DESIGNED - 1963
NUMBER OF TRAPEZE - SINGLE
HULL LENGTH - 4.7
BEAM LENGTH - 1.7
MAINSAIL AREA - 9.45 M2
HEADSAIL AREA - 3.59 M2
SPINNAKER AREA - 12.16 M2
BOAT WEIGHT - 120 KG
470 Men's two-person dinghy
The 470 is a double-handed dinghy which made its Olympic debut in Montreal in 1976. Originally an Open event, it was divided into separate Men's and Women's competitions in Seoul 1988. The 470 features a centreboard and was designed by Frenchman Andre Cornu in 1966. It takes its name from its length Being 4.7 meters. The dinghy responds quickly to Body movement due to its light weight and narrow proportions. Three sails are used; the main, jib and Spinnaker. Crew members employ a trapeze enabling them to hang their weight over the side and balance the boat.
For more information on the 470 www.470.orgor click here
For more information on the 470 Mens Australian Sailing Team www.470-men.australiansailingteam.comor click here
For more information on the Australian Sailing Team click here
by Australian Sailing Team media 
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CRONULLA, NSW
