Downing's Summer of Sport: Ian Walker
Ian Walker (1988) is Downing’s most successful Olympian, having won two silver medals in Sailing at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.
Ian is still very active in sailing and has also appeared at the Olympic Games in non-competitor roles. He tells us more about his sailing career here.
How did you become interested in sailing?
I had a model boat when I was a child and from the age of eight I lived near a small lake in Kent called Chipstead Sailing Club. I learnt to sail there with my sister. I was obsessed with sailing and took to the water whenever I could.
When did you realise you had a talent for sailing and how did you get involved in national and international competitions?
By the time I was 11 I was winning some local competitions, but I won my first National title at aged 16. This propelled me into the British Youth Team and then whilst at Downing I was Captain of the Cambridge and then British Universities teams. My dream was to sail in the Olympics but it took me until I was 26 to achieve that.
Winning an Olympic medal is an extraordinary achievement, can you say something about what that was like?
In Atlanta 1996 I was a crew, and I had a brilliant partner. We were favourites to win so in some ways a silver medal was a disappointment, but I never saw it that way. For sailing, the Olympics is a once-every-four-year chance to shine and be on the same platform as all the other sports. It changed my life.
In Sydney 2000 I was skippering. Both my partner and I had lost our sailing partners in tragic circumstances. We teamed up late, so to say Sydney was emotional would be an understatement. We came away with another silver medal.
Who were/are your sporting role models?
I have always been a mad West Ham fan and Trevor Brooking was my first sporting hero. Honestly, I admire any sportsperson that has the drive to stay at the top of their sport for a long time. People like Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Lionel Messi. I think it is important how you win and not just whether you win. If by winning you lose the respect of your competitors, then you haven’t won at all.
What did you study at Downing and why did you choose that subject?
Geography, which enabled me to sail as well as study. I contributed to College life, had a great time and passed all my exams!
How did you balance your studies at Downing with training and competing?
I wasn’t a model student and sometimes feel a bit guilty about it. However, I did work hard for my exams, and I was very organised. Downing being next to the Geography department was a great help too.
What are your key memories/takeaways from your time at Downing?
Being at Downing was a great privilege. I loved trying my best at any sport (football, hockey, rowing, tennis etc) and I was proud to represent Downing and Cambridge in sailing. I loved coaching the other sailors, especially when the ladies' team won the University Championships. The Varsity matches were always great fun and I loved going to Fenners and watching ‘Athers’ and ‘Acko’ play cricket – quite contrasting styles!
What have you been doing since retiring from your sport?
The good thing about sailing is you can go on racing forever! I still race professionally alongside my job as manager of North Sails UK. I have been to five Olympic Games as a competitor, coach, commentator for the BBC and most recently in Tokyo as British Olympic Sailing Team Manager. I have sailed in two America’s Cups, raced around the world three times, lived in Abu Dhabi for five years and run a charity for 25 years raising over £1million. I have a great (and very tolerant) wife, two awesome daughters and a cool dog. Life is good!
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to work in a similar role?
I have always believed in work hard, play hard. Attitude and work ethic counts for so much in life.
I am a determined character and never know when I am beaten – so never give up!
You can’t do anything alone – build your support network and take people on the journey with you – you never know who might end up being your biggest sponsor!
Will you be attending the Paris Games this summer? Who’s your top tip for a medal?
Sadly not as I will be working. I think Emma Wilson will win a medal in the women’s windsurfing event and Mickey Beckett in the men’s singlehander (ILCA). I hope they all deliver their best performance and bring a sack full of medals back for the King!
Published 5 August 2024