I broke my promise and would like to start by apologising for such a long time between updates. It seems like yesterday I posted about the difficult selection of my favourite European foods when in reality, it was this time last year. So much has happened between then to now, including more training, travel, regattas and, unfortunately, an injury. It was a whopping 220 days away from home last year, by far my biggest season.
Our two main competitions, the European and World Championships, took place at the end of last year. We started our season in March and ended in November, a long year in our sport. Before our World Championships in Houston, Texas, we completed a three-week training camp in Moreton Bay, Queensland, which as a squad, we believed would be the most comparative to the Bay in Texas. It’s often a disadvantage living so far away from the competition and limited venue likeness; most of our regular training venues are very niche.
During this camp, I sustained quite a nasty ankle injury, which became so bad that I had to abandon the camp to fly home to Perth for emergency treatment. I was very thankful for the quick actions of WAIS, who organised immediate specialist treatment and did everything they could to guide me to maximise recovery.
From returning to Perth, I only had 10 days before flying to Texas. Seven of these were total rest, limited walking and absolutely nothing that would cause stress to the ankle. Strangely enough, I was weirdly calm; I knew that I had done the work and more than enough sailing, and to be honest, the days resting would maybe benefit me more.
Days came and went, with the departure finally arriving, along with a strict resume of movements and recovery procedures to minimise swelling. After 30 hours of travel, I landed in America. It is such a culture shock when going to the States, but I can confirm that Southern hospitality is a thing! We were invited to several BBQs by neighbours when walking around our suburb, and they also voiced their concerns about why we were walking and not using a golf buggy. The casual wearing of guns and super monster trucks with zero regulation was also a shock, plus the tipping; of course, I do not have a math brain. I am also prone to feeling guilty, so when the barista would stare at you hovering your hand over the $0, $1, $2 tip for a mere iced latte, it was like taking High school exams all over again.
Ultimately, the World Championships results were different from what I had hoped for and not what I could achieve. I learned a lot over the season and at the Worlds, and it was disappointing to fall short. It left an empty feeling inside me, and wishing I could start the regatta again, but that goes for everyone who didn’t finish in the top three. In saying that, the sun rose the next day; you live, learn, and move on. My dad always says, “Just put enough mayonnaise on to make a sh*t sandwich edible”. Wise words, Dad!
Moving on to the present day…
I have just completed five weeks of training at the Olympic venue in Marseille, which included a strong result in the Coach’s regatta. I then took a quick trip to The Hague for a week training block at the World’s venue, which was definitely worth the trip, before finishing another stint in Marseille.
After taking a deep breath and looking forward to some r&r, I took a 14-hour Flix bus from Marseille to Lake Garda, questioning my life choices as to why I thought a bus was the best way to travel. However, it is always an eye-opener to realise that not everyone is in Europe to compete. I know it sounds awfully naïve, but everyone, not just me, gets caught up in their own world sometimes. So, as my phone was running out of battery and the scenery outside started to blur, I tended to overhear other people’s conversions. Some are travelling home to see family over the summer, a group of American girls on their first Europe trip giggle at some inside joke and a minor pick-pocketing experience and in a slight chance that the World is indeed getting smaller, and of all things, a lad from Melbourne returning home after doing a speed rock climbing competition.
So now I have two days total rest in the holy grail, Lake Garda, before heading to Belgium to train in similar conditions to our Worlds in a month in The Hague. It will be the first Olympic and country qualifiers, so it is game on.
I imagine it to be chaotic and high energy. Still, I have worked hard on my mental approach. While being close to success several times this year but falling short at the last moment, I am gaining the memento for a breakthrough result. So, the goals are simple, eyes forward and full gas. Leave nothing to chance!
In closing, a big shout-out to my supporters and sponsors back home. I honestly could not do all of this without you. ❤️
Until next time.
Elyse
Elyse Ainsworth Sailing 