British Virgin Islands return to Olympics

Thad Lettsome will represent the British Virgin Islands at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming the first BVI sailor to compete at an Olympic Games since 1996 when 2x Olympian Robby Hirst competed in the same event at the Atlanta Games.

The 22 year old Lettsome received the invitation from the Tripartite Commission in collaboration with World Sailing, for the allocation of a Universality Place in the Men’s One Person Dinghy (ILCA 7) event. He was one of three sailors eligible for the two available spots for the Universality Place. Competing at The Last Chance Regatta in Hyères, France (April 21-27), Lettsome placed 31 out of 61 sailors to edge up his rankings.

“This is an historic occasion for the Virgin Islands, the Royal BVI Yacht Club and for the BVI Olympic Committee,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “One of our mandates is to increase the number of sports represented at major Games.

“Through Olympic Solidarity and Panam Sports funding, the BVIOC has supported the development of sailing and Thad’s progression for several years and today we have reached an incredible milestone with the offer of a Universality Place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for a BVI sailor.”

Royal BVI Yacht Club Commodore Eddie Brockbank added, “Since his first days learning to sailing with us he has shown talent, commitment and determination to reach his goals. We are delighted to have BVI sailing represented at the Olympic Games again and could not be more proud to support Thad at this incredible opportunity.

“The support from the BVIOC, PanAm Sports, World Sailing, Olympic Solidarity and the BVI Government are crucial to the continued development of our athletes, and we are sincerely grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”

Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Program:
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Marseille, France
Dates: July 28-August 9

Details:
• Paris website: https://www.paris2024.org/en/the-olympic-games-paris-2024/
• World Sailing microsite: https://paris2024.sailing.org/