Aussie sailors quit Games
Australia's female match racing sailing team decide not to compete in the London Olympics despite already qualifying for the event.
Last Updated: 10/02/12 10:55am
Australia's female match racing sailing team have decided not to compete in the London Olympics despite already qualifying for the event.
Nicky Souter, Katie Spithill and Jessica Eastwell finished fifth at the world championships in Perth in December to secure their spot at the Games.
But the trio, who only teamed up six months ago, have now decided to pull out because they do not believe they can do themselves justice.
"After a number of years working towards the London 2012 Olympic Games our team has made the decision to cease our campaign," the team said in a statement.
"We do not believe the new combination can develop its obvious potential sufficiently in the short time remaining.
"Therefore it is with considerable personal disappointment that we have decided it is fairer to everyone to conclude our campaign at this point.
Difficult decision
"Individually we have worked very hard toward our collective goal of winning the first Olympic gold medal in women's match racing.
"This has been a very difficult decision to make."
Match racing is making its Olympic debut at the London Games and will be held on the waters of Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour off the south coast of Britain.
The event pits a pair of identical boats against each other over a two-lap course with the first boat to cross the line declared the winner.
