West Australian born and bred, Josh has sailing in his blood, although his earliest memory was of throwing up in the cockpit when his Dad took him ocean racing at the age of 3!

At five and wearing a crash helmet, Dad towed him up and down the beach in his first boat, a Mudlark. He says: “Dad and I are a team. He helps, but doesn’t interfere. We used to travel to Perth every weekend to sail and he’s been my coach, manager and mentor. I wouldn’t change my childhood or upbringing for anyone.”

Heading off to university, Josh had no clear career ambitions, eventually choosing Law. The same year, he represented Australia at the Youth Worlds in the Laser class.

Josh continued in the Laser class, then in December 2002, stepped up to the Finn for an Olympic campaign. According to those in the know, the now 26 year-old had a bright

In his role as a management consultant, Josh moved to Sydney after university. However, soon the Olympic dream was back on the agenda. Early in 2005, Josh returned to training while still working part-time. Josh says: “It was a big decision to come back for another Olympic campaign, but Erik Stibbe made a commitment to work with me, so I decided to have a crack at a full campaign for 2008.”

“Eager Beaver” is an apt description, as Josh pushes

himself harder than others push him, spending 6-8 hours each day training on the water, on the bike, and in the gym.

Strong support for his Olympic campaign comes from his family. Inspiration comes from John Bertrand: “I’ve read his book 10 times. He’s a Finn sailor and America’s Cup winner, and like me, he’s self-confident. We seem to have similar attitudes. ”

“But Dad is my main influence - watching what he’s done,

the business he’s built, makes me proud. I apply the lessons I learnt from him – to keep other interests and explore other opportunities.”

Those include living in Sydney – a lover of big cities; he can see himself living in others, both in Australia and overseas. “I have a few mountains to climb.”

Josh’s main ambitions are to win a gold medal and finish his tertiary education. Josh is a “one thing at a time” kind of person and says: “I prefer singular pursuits, because I

don’t have to compromise. If I put in the effort and work as hard as I can, there are no excuses and nobody else to blame.”

Used to the Fremantle Doctor, heavy weather sailing is his strength. But with little preparation, Josh scored an eighth at the light-breeze Finn Worlds in 2005. And whilst pleased, he says he can do much better.

“I’m cut-throat when being competitive. You can’t show weakness, because others will notice and take advantage.”

Socially, he loves winding down with friends and family and enjoys reading, art and music.
“What excites me though is the game – I could never do this for fun. That’s what drives me. I am the most competitive person I know - in all respects. ”

“You have to practice. You need patience in light weather. I’m a disciplined person, but I want it all to happen now! I like to be the one working hardest out there and I enjoy the pain, because you have to endure pain to win.”
Why the Olympics? “Because if you get there and win Gold, you’re the best. I don’t intend to go to Beijing if I’m not a player. The only reason I’m doing this is because I know I have the capability of winning Gold.”