My Mentor, Friend, and Father Figure

Published on January 17th, 2025

Olympic silver medalist at the Los Angeles 1984 Games, John Bertrand reflects on someone that got him there:


It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my longtime mentor, dear friend, and father figure, Bill Monti, who passed away over Christmas. Writing these words is one of the hardest tasks I have ever faced, as Bill was not just a sailing coach or athletic trainer—he was the guiding force behind many of my greatest personal and professional successes and a constant source of wisdom and encouragement.

I first met Bill in the mid-1970s, when I was seeking a new direction in my sailing career. Although I had plenty of passion, drive, and enthusiasm, I didn’t yet have the kind of structured and holistic approach that would elevate me from being a good sailor to being a world-class competitor. Bill saw beyond my immediate needs. He recognized the potential and need to develop for me a comprehensive program that honed body, mind, and spirit which would propel me to the next level. – Full report

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