Tom Burton Sailing To Rio

Selection is the toughest part of an athlete's journey. After cementing his place for Rio, we asked 776BC athlete Tom Burton how he's feeling heading into the next four months.

What went through your mind when you were selected? Honestly there was some relief there. I had been thinking about the moment the selection was going to happen for months and months. By then, and for it to have been dragged out for so long, it was getting a little irritating. Some relief and then excitement to proceed on with the goal that was in my mind and what I was working towards. It was just the confirmation that I would have the opportunity for it to come to life now.

What does representing your country at the Games mean to you? It's what I have been working towards for 9 years. Representing Australia is the pinnacle and I'm super excited to get amongst other top athletes and do Australia proud.

What does your training and competition program look like over the months leading into the Games? I leave for Europe mid April and won’t get back until after the Olympics. First regatta is in France, then heading to the worlds in Mexico. From there, over to London for another World Cup before preparations in Rio leading into the games.