Johnny Lovell and Charlie Ogeltree had an awesome day on the water in Athens today finishing 1-2 in Races 9 and 10 of the Olympic Regatta and insuring they leave the event with no less than a silver medal. Frontrunners Roman Hagara/Hans Peter Steinacher finished 2 and 4 so Lovell and Ogeltree are within 2 points overall counting a throwout. Behind them, there is a 3-way battle for the bronze between the Australians (Bundock/Forbes), the Dutch (Booth/Dercksen), and Argentinians (Lange/Espinola)
If you check the scores, Team USA is guaranteed the silver medal no matter what happens now. The Austrian team in first place have more pressure on them. Due to the throwout scenario, if they have a bad race on Saturday and the Argentinians win, they could drop to a bronze medal so they will definetly feel more pressure.
Team USA has an opportunity to match race the Austrians off the course, something Johnny Lovell is capable of doing as a past Prince of Wales champion. I am sure that Hagara is hoping Team USA will leave them alone to sail their own race. As a fellow US cat sailor, I hope Johnny goes after them like Lance Armstrong in the final stages of the Tour De France, no mercy!
Saturday will be an exciting day. Tune in to the ISAF website
www.sailing.org for the most up to date news.
Bob Hodges
A-Class USA 147
18HT USA 45
