AfiThft-PftffTh Thff BffiftflThffl ̊ J/A ̊fifl 135IMAGINATION MATTERS when growing up. Children picture
themselves as their heroes and heroines. From film stars, sporting
heroes, astronauts and firemen, the list goes on.
Having a vivid imagination is key and playgrounds and playrooms are
transformed into iconic venues such as the Brazilian football stadium,
the Maracana and Hollywood’s Red Carpet. As children grow up, the
imagination helps to form dreams which can often turn into reality.
Heading into the Laser Radial Medal Race at London 2012, China’s
CHINA’S LIJIA XU REFLECTS ON LONDON 2012 LASER RADIAL MEDAL RACE
By Daniel Smith, World Sailing
MY BEST OLYMPIC RACE
Xu was one of four sailors within a shout of gold. Between Xu, Marit
Bouwmeester (NED), Evi Van Acker (BEL) and Annalise Murphy (IRL)
it was winner take all.
Far from being a perfect race for Xu it was, however, her best
Olympic race.
“I meditated and pretended to be an elegant actress with numerous
cameras on me,” explains Xu. “I sailed the race in my mind over and
over again and I was prepared for the spectators on the Nothe course
and lots of cameras.”
As the cameras started to roll, each leading contender concentrated
on their own efforts as whoever crossed the finish line first would be
crowned Olympic champion.
Bouwmeester took the early initiative, but it then swayed to Murphy
and then Xu. As the Chinese sailor looked to take control she was
penalised on the first downwind and forced to make a penalty turn,
handing the advantage back to Bouwmeester. However, Xu was in the
mood and focused solely on what had to be done. She grabbed the lead
and held on to cross the finish line to take Olympic glory.
Xu is among the dozens of Asia-Pacific sailors who will be competing
in Rio this summer.Watch the medal race – https://youtu.be/uyn-_yUaMZI
VIDEO – Lijia Xu recaps her best Olympic race https://www.facebook.com/
ISAFWorldSailing/videos/10154368715440757/
http://www.sailing.org