US SAILING’s
2008 SportsMan of the Year
US SAILING Names 2008 Athletes of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marni Lane, US SAILING, 617.671.8332 MarniLane@USSAILING.org
US SAILING Names 2008 Athletes of the Year
SportsWoman of the Year – Anna Tunnicliffe
SportsMan of the Year – Zach Railey
Team of the Year – Nick Scandone and Maureen McKinnon-Tucker
Paralympian of the Year – John Ruf
Zach Railey surprised the sailing world by winning a silver medal in the Finn class at the 2008 Olympic Games in Qingdao, China. Railey’s silver medal was remarkable and unexpected: Going into the regatta, he wasn’t favored to win a medal, but Railey sailed one of the best regattas of his career and proved his talent and athleticism. He battled Qingdao's inconsistent and moody conditions, stormy seas and tough international competition by sailing a conservative and smart regatta. In addition, his rigorous training, physical prowess and smart tactical moves helped him stay ahead of his competitors. Railey said he felt "complete euphoria" to win silver at his first Olympic Games. “It feels amazing,” he said. “All of that hard work was worth that moment and I just wish it had lasted a little longer!” Railey has also been named a nominee for US SAILING's 2008 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year award.
