Flying Today to Tokyo Olympics

I’ve just got to London Heathrow to fly out to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics. It feels surreal to be doing this after the epic year of disruption due to Covid 19. But it is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Olympic ILCA 6 sailor Josefin Olsson from Sweden and all of the thousands of organisers of the Games that have and are making this opportunity happen, I salute you all.

The process of preparing for this Games is years in the making, but in these times even just getting to be able to safely and responsibly fly out to Japan has been quite a logistical process. Multiple PCR tests prior to leaving and daily temperature checks and re checks to ensure I’m healthy.

Were very fortunate that the Games are happening and I am fortunate enough to be coaching in the best sport in the world “Sailing” and also to be helping support elite level athletes. I‘m always inspired by the positivity that the Olympics bring to a Nation and I hope that even in these strange Covid times the stories that emerge from the Games really inspire the next generation to learn new skills.

I hope that the positivity that the United Kingdom has just seen from the sporting success of the England football team, will continue on into the Olympics. In the next 3 weeks there will be many stories and successes of the the thousands of athletes who will be trying their best to win medals at these Tokyo Olympics. Fair winds to all competitors.

Hugh Styles

Olympic Coach Sweden in the Single Handed Female discipline