Rob Thornton

Yachting

Born in Adelaide and educated at Mosman Public School and Sydney Grammar, Rob inherited his love of sailing from his father.

He competed in two America's Cup challenges, in Gretel in 1962 and Dame Pattie in 1967.

In 1972, at the age of 31, Rob was selected for the Australian Olympic Team to compete in Munich. He sailed in the two man Tempest class with partner Gordon Ingate and they achieved a 12th placing.

He was chosen as Operations Director for the Australian Olympic Team for the 1992, 1994 and 2000 Olympics and for the Australian Commonwealth Games Team to compete in Kuala Lumpa in 1998.

Robert has received an Australian Sports Medal and an Order of Merit for his work in sport.