Boardsailing: Coral Headey's Olympic dream on track

Coral Headey has qualified for the Youth Olympics. Photo/Supplied

Coral Headey's dream of one day representing New Zealand at the Olympic Games took a step closer last week when she qualified for the Youth Olympics.

The Year 11 Otumoetai College student secured her selection as the sole female representative in the boardsailing division at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, in August, with a commanding performance at the national championships at Manly Beach off the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

She regained her title as Under-17 Girls Techno293 national boardsailing champion in light wind conditions that made racing marginal and added extra difficulties.

Headey was disqualified from the first race after crossing the start line too soon but she finished the next five races to take the title.

"I wasn't too worried. The key for me was being smart about what I do and this year it was not necessarily about being the fastest out on the water. It was definitely about being the smartest," Headey said.

Headey is looking forward to testing herself against the best in the world in her age group in China.

"Going somewhere new to windsurf is going to be so cool and the event itself is going to be absolutely amazing. I really cannot wait.

"I have heard from several people that the conditions there are supposed to be light to marginal again so I am definitely going to have to lose some weight!"

She has realistic ambitions for her medal prospects in China but is not discounting making it to the dais. "My aim is to make the top 10 but getting a medal would be a dream come true."

Before the Youth Olympics Headey wants to compete at the Techno World Champs in Brest, France, which she says is ideal preparation.

But a lack of sponsorship and funding is holding back that plan.

"I went last year when they were held in Poland and that was a really truly amazing experience. I would really love to again because I felt that I improved quickly when I went to Poland.

"If I can go to Brest in France then it will be really hopeful. The cost is going to be the biggest problem getting there. Now that I have qualified for the Youth Olympics, I will hopefully have a better chance of getting sponsorship."