Kingston sailor to represent Canada at Tokyo Olympics

Kingston will be represented on the waters at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Sail Canada announced some of its participating members Thursday morning, and Ali ten Hove of the Kingston Yacht Club will take part in the Women’s 49erFX along with Toronto’s Mariah Millen out of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

The 49erFX refers to the class of vessel the sailors will be operating. In previous years, the 13 racing events were spread out over six days. Canada did not medal in this event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“On behalf of all Sail Canada’s members, I would like to congratulate all of our Olympic athletes for their nomination to the Canadian Olympic Team, especially following a very demanding and challenging year,” Don Adams, Sail Canada CEO. “We are very proud of these athletes for their hard work and dedication.

“I would also like to thank the whole Sail Canada coaching and support team for their hard work over the past Olympic quadrennial in training and preparing our athletes for Tokyo,” Adams said. “We look forward to seeing them participate and represent Canada and Sail Canada at the Games.”

Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the country and is instrumental in the training of instructors, athletes, and coaches.

“I’ve met many Olympic sailors and have been to many of their sailing competitions; both always present a blend of jovial energy and meticulous attention to details,” added Marnie McBean, Team Canada’s Tokyo 2020 Chef de Mission. “It’s very exciting to welcome this mix of veterans and rookies to Team Canada – I look forward to supporting them all in Tokyo.”

The Tokyo Summer Games kick-off Friday, July 23, 2021, lasting through to August 8.