Finn Fitness – Andrew Mills on pumping iron
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The ten Olympic classes which have been selected for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games all require strength, balance and endurance as well as a certain degree of prowess and finesse.
Finn sailors require a higher level of strength and power as well as, at times, good old fashioned sheer grunt and force to really push the boat through the water.
The Finn is the only class that represents the 90 KG and above sailors and is a true test of power, endurance, and mental strength, and with the free pumping rule being lowered to 10knots it really has increased the physical demands of these powerhouse athletes.
The British Sailing Team Finn Squad now not only have to build the brute force needed to sail the boat, but with new sailing techniques and the relatively new pumping rule sailors also need to be fitter whilst maintaining the strength in order to compete at the top end of the fleet.Â
We catch up with British Sailing Team Podium sailor Andrew Mills who explains the physical requirements of his chosen class, gives details about his training regime and tells us what is needed to make it in the world of Finn sailing.