Feature

Team USA Selection for 2016 Rio Games Now Underway

Published on January 26th, 2016

With just under 200 days to go until the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the series of regattas used to select the 2016 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team begins with Sailing World Cup Miami, held this week on January 25-30. In eight out of ten Olympic classes and one of three Paralympic classes, the event will form the first half of US Sailing’s Rio 2016 Athlete Selection system.

US Sailing Team Sperry athletes in the Laser, Laser Radial, Finn, RS:X Men, RS:X Women, 49er, 49erFX, Nacra 17 and 2.4mR (Paralympic) classes will all try to earn a lead in the two-regatta selection series with strong performances in Miami. In total, the regatta will feature over 711 sailors, in 514 boats, who represent the national teams of 64 countries.

The event also serves as a nation qualifier for Rio 2016, and U.S. athletes will attempt to win a berth for their country at the Olympics in the 49er, 49erFX and Men’s RS:X classes. In all other Olympic and Paralympic classes, the United States has already secured a berth.

“This is the 27th year of this regatta, and we’re excited to have Sailing World Cup Miami be a part of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athlete selection system for the first time,” said Josh Adams, Managing Director of US Olympic Sailing. “Today’s star athletes in Olympic sailing come to Miami to get high-quality conditions for winter training and racing. US Sailing Team Sperry athletes have worked hard during the past three years, and we’re excited to see them perform on Biscayne Bay this week.”