Teen sailor makes history with national youth squad selection
An Aussie teenager has become the first Territorian to ever make the national sailing youth squad, despite having no coaches, clubs or competitions in his local area. Find out how he did it
READING LEVEL: GREEN
At just 14, a young sailor has already made history, becoming the first ever Territorian to be selected in the national youth squad, marking a huge milestone in his quest to become an Olympian.
Fynn Goat has been kiting* since he was seven and has already mastered multiple disciplines*, despite having no coaches, clubs or competitions to learn from in the NT.
The lack of local facilities means he’s had to travel a lot to perfect his craft. Thanks to the support of his parents, Fynn has boarded more than 35 flights in the past year in order to compete and be ranked among his peers.
His selection was a huge boost and recognition of Fynn’s efforts. It allows him to train at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and be supported by national coaches to boost his development.
“The excitement is just out of this world, it’s been such a long journey and having this opportunity is going to be absolutely amazing,” Fynn said.
“I have put in so much hard work on and off the water, with absolutely no kite coaches here in the Territory, so getting this recognition and being noticed really goes a long way.
“To be the first ever person from the NT in sailing to get onto this program is really something amazing and I feel super honoured and proud.
“It’s pretty cool to be able to come this far and to be the first ever person in NT history really makes it special. I just want to keep doing my best and making the Territory proud.”
Despite having very little support in the Territory in his race craft, Fynn is no stranger to success on the water, ranking among the very best not just in the country but worldwide in his age groups.
He recently placed second in the U19s Kite Foil Australian Championships and was the only Territorian in the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Wing Foiling* Performance Pathway.
As much of his kiting takes place outside of the Territory, Fynn’s weekends often start and end with tiring plane trips.
And through that dedication, he has come closer than ever to realising his dream of representing Australia at the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
“I have always wanted to wear the green and gold but never thought that the dream was possible. But now it could be,” he said.
“The water sports industry I think will always be a part of me. From whether it is on the kite foil to a wakeboard I think it’s going to be with me all along.
“I’m not too sure what my life looks (like) ahead of me yet but I reckon it could be a possibility for sure.”
Fynn’s success has come at an exciting time, with Australia winning gold in sailing at the Paris Games, thanks to Matt Wearn’s victory in the men’s dinghy final. The win was the fourth Olympics in a row that Australia took out the title, cementing the nation’s reputation for producing elite sailors.
For now, Fynn has plenty of unique opportunities to appreciate the local marine life as he works toward future Olympic greatness.
In Darwin, the question of open water and crocodiles was a common one for Fynn – but they weren’t an issue for the youngster.
“The crocs up here aren’t ever usually the problem, unless you’re down the creeks or what not,” he said.
“However, we are always taking things into … consideration and taking precautions to keep us all safe.
“Our oceans are just amazing and we get to kite with turtles, dugongs, manta rays and dolphins.
“Up here in Darwin, the wind is always very inconsistent and never forecasted for what’s going to happen, so I always make the time to get out on the water whenever I can.
“There is also a lot of off-the-water training before and after school, which adds up to many hours during the week.”
POLL
GLOSSARY
- kiting: a sport that uses a large, steerable kite to pull a person over the water on a hydrofoil board
- disciplines: styles of sailing
- Wing Foiling: a sport where a person holds a large wing shaped sail while riding a hydrofoil board
EXTRA READING
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Piastri’s tragedy on the track
Celebrating our female champions
QUICK QUIZ
1. What type of sport does Fynn Goat compete in?
2. How many flights has he boarded in the past year?
3. Why does he have to travel so much?
4. Which Olympics does he have his sights set upon?
5. What are some examples of marine life he sees while training in the NT?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. How does he do it?
Write a list of all of the different barriers or challenges that Fynn has faced in his sports career. Next to each barrier or challenge, write sentences explaining the personal qualities that have allowed Fynn to face and overcome them.
Time: Spend at least 20 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education, Personal and Social Capability
2. Extension
What do you know about competitive kiting? Use your research skills to find out. Use the information that you have found to create a poster or online ad that will encourage other kids to get involved in the sport!
Time: Spend at least 30 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education
VCOP ACTIVITY
Opener up-level it
Make a list of all the openers in the article. Pick three that repeat and see if you can replace them with another word, or shuffle the order of the sentence to bring a new opener to the front.
Don’t forget to re-read the sentence to make sure it still makes sense, and that it actually sounds better.