Australian Olympic team sailing uniform rash shirt
Maker
Nike
Date2004
Object number00048036
NameRash vest
MediumPolyester, spandex
DimensionsOverall: 650 x 710 mm
Clothing size: M
Clothing size: M
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Nicola Bethwaite
DescriptionThis Australian Olympic sailing team uniform was issued to Nicola Bethwaite for use in competition in the Women's 470 class at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.HistoryNicola Bethwaite was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1955. She was taught to sail by her Frank in a Northbridge Junior and progressed through through Flying Ants (a small New Zealand designed Cherub) and A-12s (single-handed scow with one sail and a trapeze). Bethwaite successfully competed in Cherubs and in 1976 took the World title in this class with her brother. She wenton to sailing yachts competing in various offshore races.
When the first women's sailing medal was introduced in the 470 class, Bethwaite teamed up with Karyn Gojnich and they represented Australia at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, finishing 6th. From 1993 to 1998, she started competing in various small keelboat events, both fleet and matchracing.
In October 2000 Bethwaite teamed up with Jenni Bonnitcha and Kristen Kosmala in the Yngling class, winning the NSW State Championships, Sydney International Regatta and the Australian Championships. Bethwaite again won the Yngling NSW State Championships in October 2003, this time with Kristen Kosmala and Kate McHugh Hage.
Bethwaite was selected along with Kristen Kosmala and Karyn Gojnich to represent Australia at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics in the Yngling class. The Olympic Sailing Regatta was held at Agios Kosmas. Bethwaite and her team were placed 13th.
SignificanceThis clothing is representative of the competition uniforms worn by Australian Olympic sailing team members during the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics.