Lilley sets sail for Tokyo Olympics

Queensland sailor Jake Lilley has been added to the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo rounding out the sailing squad.

Lilley joins veteran Mat Belcher and his 470 partner Will Ryan as fellow Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) supported athletes in the Australian Sailing Team.

Sailing in the Finn class event, Tokyo will be Lilley’s second Games after finishing eighth in Rio.

“It’s a good feeling to be honoured with the opportunity to represent our country and our sport,” Lilley told the Australian Olympic Committee.

“We've worked quietly but earnestly back in Australia for over a year now. Between myself, coach Rafa Trujillo and training partner Anthony Nossiter, we are quietly confident of the work we've put in and what we can do but also have the utmost respect for the enormity of the mountain we are endeavouring to climb and crack the top step of the Finn Class podium at the Olympics.

“Time is a blessing in any Olympic campaign. We were grateful and appreciative for every day more and treated it as such.”

QAS Chief Executive Chelsea Warr applauded the resilience of the Australian athletes and coaches with Games less than 100 days away.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging 12 months for our athletes and coaches preparing for a delayed Tokyo Games,” said Ms Warr.

“We’re in the final home straight of preparation now and I know our athletes and coaches will continue to inspire us all as sports take centre stage come July 2021.”

Queensland sailor Jake Lilley has been added to the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo rounding out the sailing squad.

Lilley joins veteran Mat Belcher and his 470 partner Will Ryan as fellow Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) supported athletes in the Australian Sailing Team.

Sailing in the Finn class event, Tokyo will be Lilley’s second Games after finishing eighth in Rio.

“It’s a good feeling to be honoured with the opportunity to represent our country and our sport,” Lilley told the Australian Olympic Committee.

“We've worked quietly but earnestly back in Australia for over a year now. Between myself, coach Rafa Trujillo and training partner Anthony Nossiter, we are quietly confident of the work we've put in and what we can do but also have the utmost respect for the enormity of the mountain we are endeavouring to climb and crack the top step of the Finn Class podium at the Olympics.

“Time is a blessing in any Olympic campaign. We were grateful and appreciative for every day more and treated it as such.”

QAS Chief Executive Chelsea Warr applauded the resilience of the Australian athletes and coaches with Games less than 100 days away.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging 12 months for our athletes and coaches preparing for a delayed Tokyo Games,” said Ms Warr.

“We’re in the final home straight of preparation now and I know our athletes and coaches will continue to inspire us all as sports take centre stage come July 2021.”