Ian Walker

Ian Walker was already a world champion in the International 14 class before he teamed up with John Merricks to campaign in the 470 class. After placing second in the 1996 World Championships the pair repeated the feat at the Atlanta Olympics and were only denied a chance of the gold medal by a disqualification in race four. Sadly their partnership was to end in tragedy. In October 1997 the two men were being driven back to their hotel after racing in the European Championships when the driver lost control and veered off the road. Merricks was killed instantly in the accident. After some time away from the water Walker reappeared with new partner Mark Covell. Covell had also suffered personal tragedy when his sailing partner, 1996 Olympian Glyn Charles, had been lost at sea during the 1998 Sydney-to-Hobart race. Together Walker and Covell were the British entry in the Star class at the Sydney Olympics. They came within a point of an emotive victory but lost out to the American pair in the battle for the Olympic title. Since then Walker has been involved in the crew in prospective America’s Cup challengers from Great Britain (2002-3 as skipper) and Italy (2007 as tactician). He also coached Shirley Robertson to Olympic gold in 2004.