Laszlo D (Year 10) will once again represent Great Britain at the Optimist World Championships.
After his successful performance in the GB Team Selection Trials, he was selected as one of the top five U16s to sail in the global competition held in Tangier, Morocco.
He began sailing when he was eight, training around the south coast before competing internationally, attending clinics and team events in Spain, Venice, Lake Garda, Puerto Rico and Morocco. On returning to Worlds for a second time, Laszlo said: “I’m really excited.”
He faced many challenges in the week long selections and didn’t think he would make it to Worlds after receiving two black flags (disqualification for being seconds over the line).
He said: “I was around 56 points behind going into the last day. I knew I needed to win every race and so I just thought there’s nothing to lose.” Laszlo went on to receive four (1sts) bullets in row, securing his place in the British Team.
His family, his coach, and supporting team were all out on the water with him, and were “really happy” when they found out that he qualified. For Laszlo, the achievement felt even more significant due to how hard he’d fought to earn the spot.
“There’s a lot of determination in sailing because there are so many different aspects to it that even if you mess up your start, you can still come back in the rest of the race,” he said.
“I think the mentality of never giving up is one of the best things I’ve learned from sailing, and I think that carries across to the rest of my sports and academics.”
Aside from sailing, he also plays tennis, Field Game, and golf on the School’s course. Laszlo and his friend took part in this year’s Summer House Scramble event and placed third. He said: “As I do a lot of sailing which is a solo sport, I find it really fun to do other competitions in a team too.”
Laszlo also enjoys the camaraderie in his Boarding House, highlighting the House Shout, a singing competition in the Michaelmas Half, as one of his favourite moments.
“We’re not really known for our singing,” he joked, “but it was really fun, everyone getting together and performing. We sang Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire.”
We wish Laszlo the best of luck in the World Championships and look forward to welcoming him back to school.
