A Wave a Day to LA - Sophie Jackson’s Journey to the 2028 Olympic Games

Introduction:

Hi, I'm Sophie Jackson, a 25-year-old 470 sailing skipper from Mornington, Victoria, and now also from Fremantle, Western Australia! I’m currently the 470 Australian National Champion, the 470 Oceania Champion, and ranked 37th in the World Sailing 470 rankings. I’m on scholarship with the Western Australian Institute of Sport and part of the Australian Sailing Futures Team.

Sailing allows me to pursue my passion and live by my core values: health and fitness, adventure and challenge, and a deep connection to the outdoors. I love the constant challenges that sailing presents within a dynamic natural environment. Every day challenges me mentally and physically to become the best possible athlete and version of myself.

Of course, the highlights reel doesn’t show the constant setbacks and challenges that got me to this point—and that I continue to wrestle with on my path to the Olympic Games. In the last four years, I’ve raced the 470 class internationally with three different partners. I moved to WA to campaign full time with Jamie, and although we achieved a lot together, he has now stepped away from Olympic sailing. Within weeks, I was already trialing a new partnership with Austin Cross in Sydney. This resilience and adaptability are what keep me moving forward.

The biggest gap to becoming one of the best 470 sailors in the world is gaining more big fleet racing experience and refining my tactical skills. To do this, I’ll be competing at the Japanese National Championships this September—one of our few chances for large fleet experience this season.

Dream and Goals:

My ultimate dream is to become an Olympic champion. My first major goal is representing Australia at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, then building on that experience to medal at the 2032 Brisbane Games.

To qualify for LA, I aim to be in the top 10 at the 2027 World Championships and secure a place on the Australian Sailing Team (AST) by 2026/27. Every race, every training camp, every setback, and every triumph is part of that journey.

 Fundraising Objective:

I’m seeking to raise an initial $10,000 to support my 2025 and early 2026 training and regattas. These funds will help cover my half of critical expenses within the team; like travel, coaching, accommodation, regatta fees, and equipment for domestic and international competitions.

Breakdown of Costs:

How the Funds Will Be Used:

Each donation will directly impact my ability to:

• Compete in high-level international regattas
• Train under elite coaching support
• Access reliable boats and equipment
• Focus on performance without financial stress

With your support, I can spend less time juggling jobs and more time training, competing, and representing Australia.

Past Successes:

Thanks to previous support and relentless dedication, I’ve become the top-ranked 470 female skipper in Australia. I’ve won national titles, competed internationally, and grown significantly as an athlete despite frequent setbacks and transitions between partners.

Future Potential:

Your contribution will help me take the next step—not just toward LA 2028, but toward inspiring the next generation of sailors in Australia. By reaching the Olympic Games, I aim to become a visible, relatable role model for young athletes—especially girls—proving that grit, adaptability, and belief can get you there.

Community and Personal Impact:

Supporting my journey means more than just helping one athlete. It fosters a culture of resilience, ambition, and national pride. Together, we can build momentum—not only for me but for the broader community watching this journey unfold.

Call to Action:

Join me on this Olympic journey by making a donation. Every dollar brings me one step closer to LA 2028 and helps turn my dream into a reality. Your support genuinely changes what’s possible for me.

Million Dollar Challenge

I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Aussie Athlete Fund’s Million Dollar Challenge, powered by Ampol. This initiative connects 100 Australian athletes with businesses to raise $10,000 each, building toward a collective goal of $1 million to support our Olympic dreams.

Led by 5-time Olympian Nat Cook OAM, the challenge gives athletes like me the resources to succeed. I’ll soon be announcing my business partner who will help me fundraise, network, and access mentoring and support. Learn more about the Million Dollar Challenge.

Join the Team

Every donation—no matter the size—makes a real difference. I currently balance my Olympic campaign with part-time work as a PE and Outdoor Education teacher. Greater financial support means fewer hours at work and more hours training, racing, and recovering.

Thank you so much for being part of my team. Let’s make the road to LA unforgettable—together.