MEDIA RELEASE : Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley has officially kicked off her campaign for the 2028 Olympic Games with a standout performance at the Coast Championships Regatta at Lake Macquarie, Australia, held on October 13.
Competing for the first time since making history as Samoa’s first female sailor at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ripley placed 5th overall and 2nd among female competitors, marking an exciting start to her journey towards the next Olympic Games.
The regatta posed challenging conditions, with gusty southerly winds reaching up to 25 knots on Day 1, pushing sailors to their limits.
Ripley demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, completing three demanding 50- minute races.
On Day 2, the lighter northeasterly breeze presented a more strategic racing environment, allowing Ripley to showcase her tactical abilities and adaptability.
“It felt great to get back on the water and compete after the Olympics,” Ripley said.
“The wind on the first day was tough, but that’s exactly the kind of challenging weather I need to help prepare me for the next stage of my journey.
“I’m grateful for the support of NB Sail Sports and Vaikobi, who made this regatta possible for me.”
Ripley’s return to competition marks a significant milestone as she prepares for the 2028 Olympics.
Her performance at Lake Macquarie strongly indicates her progress and the potential she carries into her next competition—the State Open & Youth Championships at Georges River Sailing Club on November 16-17, 2024.
As Ripley embarks on this exciting new chapter, she actively seeks sponsorship to support her training, travel, and regatta participation.
Competing at an Olympic level requires considerable resources, and sponsors have a unique opportunity to partner with a groundbreaking athlete who is not only representing Samoa but also inspiring the next generation of sailors in the Pacific region.
Afioga Raema von Reiche, President of the Samoa Sailing Association, commented, “Vaimo’oi’a’s determination and growth are evident in every race.
“We’re incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to raise the bar on the international stage.
“We welcome any support to help her campaign for the 2028 LA Olympics.”
Vaimo’oi’a Ripley’s next major competition will be at the State Open & Youth Championships at Georges River Sailing Club on November 16-17, 2024, as she continues her preparation to qualify Samoa for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Photo credit 1: World Sailing. Vaimo’oi’a Ripley pictured at the Paris Olympics 2024. Photo credit 2: Robert Deaves. Vaimo’oi’a Ripley pictured at the Paris Olympics 2024.