Returning Olympian Olivia Price and debutant Evie Haseldine have been selected in the 49erFX class, while Sydney pair Jim Colley and Shaun Connor will make their Olympic debuts in the 49er class.

Olivia makes her Olympic return 12 years after winning Olympic silver at London 2012 in the three-person Elliott 6m class boat. 

Olivia and Evie achieved Australia’s best ever World Championships result in the 49erFX class when they won bronze last year, while Jim and Shaun won silver at the prestigious Hyeres regatta in 2023.

Olivia and Evie have only been racing together since 2021 – a mentoring session on the water between the then-retired Olivia and up and comer Evie sparking a racing relationship that has seen the pair reach the top echelons of the 49erFX class.

Olivia has known Evie since she was born in 2003 because their fathers sailed together in 16ft skiffs at Drummoyne Sailing Club, while northern beaches pair Colley and Connor have been sailing together since they were 14.

Today’s selections add to three sailors already selected on the Australian Team for Paris, bringing the Australian Team size to 41 of an expected 460 to 480 by the Opening Ceremony on 26 July 2024.

Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares congratulated the four athletes on their selection in classes that have a relatively short Olympic history but a strong Australian connection.

“Skill and perseverance has brought all four athletes to this point where they will proudly represent Australia in the waters off Marseille in the sport’s ultimate contest.

“From Jim and Shaun sailing together since they were teenagers to Evie and Olivia turning a mentor relationship into a racing partnership, both these teams have demonstrated what you can achieve with teamwork and shared commitment. 

“Congratulations to both teams, we wish them all well in Paris. The AOC would like to thank the families, coaches and others who have made it possible for all our athletes to compete and progress in the sport they love,” she said.

The 49er class made its debut at Sydney 2000, with athletes competing in identical boats designed by Australian Julian Bethwaite.

Speaking on behalf of the 49erFX crew,  Olivia (Liv) Price says London 2012 seems like a lifetime ago, but selection with Evie means a huge amount given their long association.

“What I am most proud of is coming back after a few years out and testing myself in one of the most high-pressure environments. I’m also really proud that Evie and I have stayed true to ourselves. 

“We have a pretty special relationship, I’ve literally known her for all her life. There’s 11 years between us.

“You never know what is coming your way and you just have to keep going regardless. I never thought I would come back to Olympic sailing so it is a really special feeling that I never thought I would get to feel again,” she said.

Speaking for the 49er pair, Jim Colley says the path to Olympic selection hasn’t always been easy, but the crew constantly looked to improve.

“The biggest high for us as a team was the Euros in 2022 where we finished fifth, because that felt like the first time we tapped into what we were capable of. We were able to build on everything we’d done, and from that moment we knew we were capable of competing at the top end of the fleet.

“The following year we got on the podium at Hyeres, which really give us a huge amount of confidence that we were on the right track.

“I feel a sense of relief. I always believed that it would come, but to get the call filled me with pride about how we decided to conduct our campaign. I was unbelievably stoked, and gratitude for the people behind the scenes who made it possible,” he said.

Australian Sailing President Alister Murray says there was enormous competition in both classes.

“We are fortunate to have fantastic depth in our skiff classes in Australia, and both decisions were extremely difficult for the nomination panel.

“The two teams selected deserve this opportunity, and we look forward to watching them race in Marseille later this year,” he concluded.

The Sailing competition will run from Sunday 28 July to Thursday 8 August at the Marseille Marina.