A TEENAGER who dreams of competing at the Olympics has been chosen for an award that honours the movement’s ideals.
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Laura Thomson, 16, will represent sailing at the Pierre de Coubertin Awards in Melbourne on June 23 after being nominated by Yachting Victoria.
Named for the founder of the modern games, the awards recognise secondary school students who demonstrate sporting prowess and Olympic values such as good sportsmanship.
“I was just surprised, really humbled and appreciative of the fantastic opportunity that comes with it,” Laura said.
The year 11 student has qualified for the Victorian sailing team and this season moved across from a Laser 4.7 to the Laser Radial, which is the women’s Olympic class.
On the weekend she received an Outstanding Achievement in Sailing Award at Albury-Wodonga Yacht Club's end of season celebration.
A third generation sailor, Laura said people could underestimate the physical and mental strength demanded by the sport.
“Our field is always changing, the wind is always changing direction, the waves are always coming at you from different angles,” she said. “You need to be able to be pushing your body to maximum and at the same time be very smart and very aware and very analytical of the situation around you.”
The Pierre de Coubertin Award ties in neatly with Laura’s long-term goals.
“This is just another stepping stone along the way,” she said.