Medal hopes dashed for Burnet & Gimson - but positives remain

© World Sailing / Lloyd Images

It’s been quite a journey for Tokyo silver medallists John Gimson and Anna Burnet, who entered their Paris 2024 campaign with hopes for another podium finish.

But, it wasn’t meant to be – with a heart breaking final day swiping any chance of a medal from their grasps, placing them fourth overall. 

The disappointment came after a promising run, with the pair finishing third in qualifying, heading into the medal race in a strong position – with a silver more than manageable.

Painfully light winds did however push back the medal race by a day. But that didn’t quieten the support from home, with members of Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club (Anna’s home club) gathering on both Wednesday and Thursday to cheer on their local athlete.

Disaster struck however at the very start of Anna and John’s medal race – with the race committee identifying the GBR boat as over the line a fraction too early.

Fatefully, the pair did not realise the error, continuing up the first leg – until they were pulled out of the race by an umpire boat, ending their Paris 2024 journey in the most painful fashion.

© World Sailing / Lloyd Images

But showing their true sportsmanship, Anna and John were quick to reflect on their effort, with Anna commenting:

“In that moment, it's devastating. It's a bad dream. But we’re proud of all we've done. 

“We’ve been on the podium at every single regatta this campaign.

“That’s sport, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. What a journey. We did our best.”

While a medal escaped them, the pair put in a performance to be proud of – with plenty positives to take away.

And one thing is for sure, support from home remains strong.

Dinkie, a longstanding Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club member said:

“We’re all so very very proud of them for everything they’ve done.

“For them, they just need to look forward to their wedding now which is in a few weeks!

“But so much to be proud of, absolutely. Everyone was cheering for them.“

So much to be proud of, indeed. And it’s safe to say supporters from home will keep cheering for all the pair take on in the future.

Want to follow their journey? Check out Anna and John on social media.

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