http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,162873.htmlLewis eager to compete in Olympics
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH
Friday, July 6 2012
OLYMPIC-bound local Laser Class sailor, Andrew Lewis is eager to compete in his first Olympic Games in London England, July 27- August 12. Lewis, who is already in London, will be using the last few weeks to complete his athletic progress. He explained that the final sessions were going well thus far, and were crucial to his overall development. In a recent interview with the sailor, Lewis stated, “I’m just finalising all my preparations for the Olympics. My coach and I have been working a lot and getting in as much time on the water. We’re working rigorously with three sessions a day. One in the morning for fitness, on the water between two to three hours in the middle of the day, and back on to do some cardio in the evening. This is because we have the feeling it’s going to be a very windy event and it takes a lot of fitness and cardio. I want to get very accustomed to the conditions here (London).”
The 22-year-old sailor admitted that the anxiety was building in him ahead of his Olympic-berth. However, Lewis was certain that he would not be deterred by this and will also be using the final days to acclimatise himself to the atmosphere and aura of the world’s biggest sporting event.
“In the venue where the sailing would take place, it’s a bit overwhelming at the start but I’m getting used to it and I’m feeling a lot more comfortable now. On July 9, I will return from my final but small competition in France, to join the rest of the team to close off on my final training,” he added.
The budding sailor missed qualifying for the Olympics by seven places at the 2011 International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Championships in Perth. But, Lewis capitalised on his second opportunity at the Audi World Laser Championships in Germany, and was good enough to clinch one of the 12 available Olympic spots.
Speaking on his current form, the flourishing sailor also heaped praises on his current coach for his determination and loyalty to him as an athlete.
“I think I’m about 85 percent of where I want to be. I have enough time to get to that 100 percent mark. I think that my coach is a very experienced person and I have a lot of confidence in him. He has assured me that once we cover what we need to, I should be more than ready for the first event of sailing on the 30th of July.”
Lewis’ performance in the near future will be the first ever local sailor to ever compete in the Laser Class event at the Olympic Games.