From Northern Beaches to the coast of Marseille, Jim Colley and Shaun Connor are charting a course for Olympic stardom. The dynamic duo from the prestigious Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club will soon trade their familiar Australian shores for the world stage as they represent the nation in the Men’s Skiff (49er) class at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Read: Royal Motor Yacht Club’s $10M Makeover Hit Choppy Waters
From Northern Beaches to Marseille Marina
Jim Colley and Shaun Connor, both 26, have been sailing together since their early teens. Their journey began at a Manly Juniors training camp at Middle Harbour Yacht Club before they were even teenagers. In 2013, they made the decision to sail a 29er together, laying the foundation for their future Olympic partnership.
The pair’s long-standing friendship has been a key factor in their success. Colley, who serves as the helm, speaks highly of their partnership.
“We both refuse to give up, which has been something I have been proud of. We’ve had a huge amount of adversity and we’ve always worked at it and come back from it, which is what has now paid dividends.”
Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares also emphasises the importance of “teamwork and shared commitment” forged through the sailors’ shared history.
Colley and Connor began their 49er campaign in 2018, quickly establishing themselves as formidable competitors. Their breakthrough moment came at the 2022 European Championships, where they finished fifth.
“That felt like the first time we tapped into what we were capable of. We were able to build on everything we’d done, and from that moment we knew we could compete at the top end of the fleet,” Colley reflected.
Their recent accomplishments include:
– Silver medal at the 2023 Semaine Olympique Francaise De Voile
– 5th place at the 2022 49er European Championships
– 5th place at the 2023 Trofeo S.A.R Princesa Sofia
Jim Colley and Shaun Connor prepares for the Olympics
The duo will be coached by Josh Porebski, a native Kiwi with his own success in Marseille, having finished 2nd in the 49er Worlds in 2013. Both Colley and Connor are NSW Institute of Sport athletes, benefiting from top-tier training and support.
The Men’s Skiff Opening Series is scheduled from July 28–31, with the medal race on August 1. All sailing events take place at the picturesque Roucas-Blanc Marina in Marseille.
Read: A Slice of Paradise Paved Over: The Demise of Newport Lagoon
As they prepare for their Olympic debut, Colley and Connor carry with them the hopes and support of their club and the broader Australian sailing community.
Published 20-July-2024
