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Journey to the 2028 LA Olympics  - Sailing the Mixed 470 Dinghy

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<h2>Austin Cross – Racing towards the 2028 Olympics</h2> Hi, I’m Austin Cross, a 20-year-old 470 sailor from Sydney, chasing a dream that began on the water as a kid; representing Australia at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and then aiming for gold in Brisbane 2032. Under the guidance of Australia’s world-class coaches, I am pushing myself every day to break from the top 40 into the world’s top 10. Why This Journey Matters to MeSailing isn’t just a sport, it’s a test of grit, teamwork, and resilience. Every gust of wind demands focus and every race means sacrifice. I’ve juggled full-time training while studying engineering, with little margin left for anything else. This Olympic dream fuels me through the toughest waves, and every win or setback teaches me why representing Australia on the global stage is worth every challenge. Why 2026 Is a Crucial YearThe next 12 months will define my journey. After my first set of Sailing Grand Slam events in 2026, my sailing partner and I are the leading 470 team in Australia. From here, the next step is to qualify for the Australian Sailing Squad with a top 30 result at the 2026 World Championship in Japan, followed by qualifying for the Olympic test event in the early 2027 season, and finally secure a top 10 spot at the 2027 World Championships to qualify for LA 2028. This starts with key international competitions throughout the year to gain vital racing experience. I&#39;m committed, but without your support, competing at this level becomes impossible. What It Really Costs to CompeteThis year’s budget is $90,000 — covering flights and travel to international regattas ($26,100), coaching by experts ($20,600), boat transport ($9,100), accommodation on the road ($14,200), vital equipment upgrades ($14,500), and entry fees ($4,600). Every dollar directly funds my ability to train, race, and improve. And with a dream to get a new boat (additional $40,000) before early 2027. Why Your Support Matters NowWhen you donate, you’re more than a supporter, you become part of the team driving Australia’s sailing future. Your contribution helps me train smarter, race harder, and focus fully on what matters: representing Aussie grit on the world stage. Without your generosity, these opportunities slip further out of reach. Will You Join Me?Every dollar, every share, every donation brings me closer to LA 2028. Together, we can turn sacrifice into success, and dreams into medals. I’m incredibly grateful for your belief in this journey. Thank you for standing with me. Proudly supported by NSW Institute of Sport, Australian Sailing Futures Team, Woollahra Sailing Club, and the Aussie Athlete Fund.

A WAVE A DAY TO LA