Sailor Thad Lettsome Impresses at Pan Am Games
Up and coming BVI racer, Thad Lettsome finished in 6th place overall and 2nd in the U-21 (under 21) at the Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia, a proud accomplishment for the young sailor and the British Virgin Islands.
In a fleet of 14 sailors sailing the ILCA7 (Laser), Lettsome was up against the best sailors in the region aged between 17 and 22. The 2021 Junior Pan American Games is an international multi-sports event for athletes in the Americas, organized by Panam Sports and was held in Cali and Valle, Colombia between November 25 to December 5, 2021. The Pan American Games and the Junior Pan American Games are among the region’s most prestigious events encompassing teams from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.
Thad Lettsome had been participating in numerous sailing competitions throughout the US and Caribbean in anticipation of taking part in the 2021 Pan Am Games. With an eye to the future and representing the BVI in the 2024 Olympics, Thad’s hard work and dedication is paying off.
Six races were completed across three days with Lettsome making a strong start on day one, working hard to stay at the top of the fleet. The strategy was to ensure a clean start, keep with the top of the pack and address the long racecourse features. With winds ranging from 12-20 knots and many tactical challenges on the race course, Lettsome executed well to finish the day in fourth overall. His performance on the second was also strong. On the final day, Thad’s light weight and the course’s strong winds contributed to a disappointing finish for Race 6, but even so by the day’s end, the young BVI sailor remained in 6th place over all.
The Junior PanAm Games marks a pathway for athletes in 39 sports transitioning from junior to elite competition. The BVI was represented in Squash, 3×3 basketball, men’s 200m and women’s 100m and the RBVIYC congratulates all of them on their achievements.
Panam Sports fuels the development of sport and supports the work of its 41 member nations to inspire the next generation of athletes in the Americas. It works closely with all members of the sport community including the National Committees, International Sport Federations, Pan American Sport Confederations, and the athletes and organizing committees for all regional games.
The Royal BVI Yacht Club, which has supported Thad through its youth sailing program offered a vote of thanks to the BVI Olympic Committee, Chef de Mission Adam Murrills, Coach Chris Watters and everyone who has supported Thad on his impressive journey.
