Skip directly to main content.

Tom Ashley

Tom Ashley has been a serious competitor since winning his first event in 1995 - aged 11.

The Auckland-based windsurfer has added an impressive list of top ten performances since then, including winning three Youth World Championship titles from 2002 to 2003, and a second placing at the 2006 World Championships in Italy.

On land, Tom was named Young Sailor of the Year in 2002, and in 2006 was presented with an award of merit from Yachting New Zealand that recognises sailing ability, seamanship and sportsmanship.

Tom placed 10th at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and is aiming for gold at Beijing.

Sport highlight: Three Youth World Championship titles (2002-2003); 2nd in the 2006 World Championships.

Ultimate goal: Olympic Gold Medal.

Photos
Thumbnail Description
Tom Ashley trains in Brazil in in early 2007.
Training in Brazil

Tom Ashley training in Brazil in early 2007. Tom went on to win the 2007 RS:X South American Wind Surfing Championships. (Photo: Yachting New Zealand)
Tom Ashley trains in Brazil in in early 2007.
Training in Brazil

Tom Ashley training in Brazil in early 2007. Tom went on to win the 2007 RS:X South American Wind Surfing Championships. (Photo: Yachting New Zealand)
Tom Ashley leading the fleet off the start line in race 10 at the 2006 World Championships in Italy.
Leading the fleet

Tom Ashley leading the fleet off the start line in race 10 at the 2006 World Championships in Italy. Tom came second in the World Championships. (Photo: Circolo Surf Torbole - Italy)
Tom Ashley leading the way in the 2006 World Championships in Italy.
Leading the way

Tom Ashley leading the way in the 2006 World Championships in Italy. Tom came second in the World Championships. (Photo: Circolo Surf Torbole - Italy)
Start of the qualifying series for the 2006 World Championships in Italy.
2006 World Championships

Start of the qualifying series for the 2006 World Championships in Italy. Tom Ashley came second in the World Champs. (Photo: Circolo Surf Torbole - Italy)
Tom Ashley trains in Brazil in in early 2007.
Training in Brazil

Tom Ashley training in Brazil in early 2007. Tom went on to win the 2007 RS:X South American Wind Surfing Championships. (Photo: Yachting New Zealand)
Videos
Thumbnail Description
Tom Ashley explains how he got into yachting then moved onto windsurfing.
Introduction to windsurfing (35 sec)

Tom Ashley explains how he got into yachting then moved onto windsurfing.

Download Video

Tom Ashley recalls how he set goals from a very early age.
Setting goals (49 sec)

Tom Ashley recalls how he set goals from a very early age.

Download Video

Tom Ashley tells us what he does with his free time.
Time off (18 sec)

Tom Ashley tells us what he does with his free time.

Download Video

Facts/Info

Sport: Sailing.

Discipline: Windsurfing (NeilPryde RS:X).

DOB: 11 February 1984.

Height: 187 cm.

Weight: 75 kg.

New Zealand Academy of Sport region: New Zealand Academy of Sport - North.

Current location: Devonport, Auckland.

Coaches: David Robertson, Aaron McIntosh, Grant Beck, John Ashley.

Support team: Mark Watson (aerobic conditioning), Mat Brick (planning and periodisation), David Slyfield (strength conditioning), Raewyn Hing (Pilates), David Abercrombie (physio), Anu Norrie (osteopath) and Clint Knox (masseur).

Club: Takapuna Boating Club.

Sponsors: SPARC (through the New Zealand Academy of Sport), Temperzone Quality Air Conditioning, 2XU.

Job: Professional athlete.

Education: Finished high school (A Bursary in Year 12), Grade 8 Violin.

New Zealand championships

Year - Event - Place

2007 - NZ Nationals, Auckland - 1

2006 - RS:X - Men's Windsurfer New Zealand RS:X National Championship, Takapuna NZL - 1

International experience (by date)

(Note: Mistral became RS:X in 2006)

Year - Event - Place

2007 - South American Championships - 1

2007 - Trofeo Princesa Sofia, Palma, Spain - 1

2007 - Semaine Olympique Franciase, Hyeres, France - 1

2006 - ISAF RS:X World Championships, ITA - 2

2006 - Qingdao International Regatta (Test Event), CHN - 9

2006 - RS:X European Championships, TUR - 8

2006 - ISAF World Sailing Games, AUT - 2

2006 - Semaine Olympique Française, FRA - 6

2006 - HRH Princess Sofia Trophy, ESP - 3

2006 - Sail Auckland International Regatta, NZL - 2

Mistral Men (Olympic Class: 1993-2004)

Year - Event - Place

2005 - Sail Melbourne International Regatta, AUS - 9

2004 - Olympic Sailing Competition, GRE - 10

2004 - Semaine Olympique Francaise, FRA - 2

2004 - Mistral World Championship (Olympic qualifier), TUR - 7

2003 - 2003 ISAF World Championships, ESP - 33

2003 - Sail Auckland, NZL - 2

2003 - Sail Melbourne, AUS - 2

2002 - Mistral World Championship, THA - 10

2002 - Athens 2002 Regatta (Test Event), GRE - 10

2002 - Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, CAN - 1

2002 - Kieler Woche, GER - 8

2002 - SPA Regatta, NED - 7

2002 - Sail Auckland, NZL - 5

2002 - Sail Melbourne, AUS - 4

2001 - Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, FRA - 5

2001 - Sail Auckland, NZL - 7

2001 - Sail Melbourne 2001 (SDU), AUS - 9

 

Updated | 05 Sep 2007.

Skip page tools.

Note: You are reading this message either because you can not see our css files, or because you do not have a standards-compliant browser. Although the content of this site will be accessible in any browser, please consider upgrading to a web-standards compliant browser such as Mozilla to fully experience the design of this site.

Back to top.