Tokyo Olympics latest: SA sailors fired up and ready to hit the water

The three sailors representing South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics are fired up and eager to battle it out on the water at Enoshima Yacht Harbour.

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The pair of Alex Burger and Benji Daniel will compete in the 49er class while Leo Davis is contesting the one-man Finn class.

Davis previously represented the country in rowing but switched sports in 2018 with the aim of qualifying for his first Olympic Games.

Speaking ahead of his departure to Tokyo, Davis reckoned: “The reality comes and goes. I think it will really feel real once I get there and wear the national kit.

“I’m feeling strong. My preparation has been going well and I am approaching the event with an open mind. I’ve had some good coaching and have been training against some really good sailors. I’m happy with the progression I have made in the last month and I am very excited to get to Tokyo,” added Davis, whose father, Greg, will also be in Tokyo as his coach.

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Meanwhile, coaching Burger and Daniel is two-time Olympian Asenathi Jim, who competed in the 2012 and 2016 Games along with Roger Hudson in the 470 class.

“This is a very tough environment when it comes to expectations,” explained Jim.

“But when it comes to big events such as Olympic Games and World Championships the only thing that you actually have to expect from yourself is to do the best you can. If it comes out that we finish first or bring back a medal, or we finish last but that’s the best we can do, then great.

“But I really have great belief in terms of the team and the preparation we have done,” he added of the duo, who four years ago claimed top honours at the 29er World Championships.

Olympic preparations have, of course, been hampered by the Covid pandemic which has made travel and gaining international exposure and big-fleet experience difficult. But Jim has confidence in his team.

“One thing I can say is that I believe the boys have an ability to train solo and then shine on the big stage. So as coach I want to believe that the amount of hard work we put in on home waters will convert into a good result at the Tokyo Olympics.

“It’s also very important to actually enjoy the moment because you don’t get it too often. It’s every four years, it’s not like you’re going to do it every month.

“The guys are still young so it’s still a learning curve and we just basically want do the best we can,” added Jim.

The sailing programme in Tokyo gets under way on 25 July and finishes on 4 August.