Sailing: McGovern Brothers finish season on a high

After a somewhat frustrating season the McGovern brothers, Russell and Matt got their Olympic campaign back on track by finishing 12th behind the winners, Martinez De Lizarduy Iker and Fernanadez Xabier of Spain, at the 49er European Championships in Italy last week. The team are both targeting the 2012 Olympics but hoping to gain valuable Olympic experience in Beijing 2008. They missed the first opportunity to qualify for Beijing and will have to wait until January to get their second and final chance.

If they can repeat their 12th position at the Europeans, qualifying is a very realistic goal.  Last week’s 12th place is by far their best result to date and gives them great confidence going into the 2008 season.