Nicknamed “POD”, Peter O’Donnell was Australia’s first Olympic champion in sailing. By that time, he had already sailed in the America’s Cup and been in the crew of the winning yacht of the Sydney to Hobart Race in 1958. Captained by William Northam, O’Donnell won his Olympic gold medal in the 5.5 metre class. He never participated in the Olympics again, although he was close in 1980. That was his best year - he won the “Australian Yachtsman of the Year” award - but the Australian sailing federation boycotted the Moscow Olympics. O’Donnell had his greatest success in 1987, winning both the line and handicap competition in the Sydney to Hobart race. O’Donnell, who also bred horses, died after a long battle with cancer.
Australia