Wellington, New Zealand

Though considered young compared to their key competitors, New Zealand's Jenna Hansen, Stephanie Hazard and Susannah Pyatt have remained undaunted in their bid for a sailing medal at the upcoming 2012 London Olympics.

The three young sailors comprise New Zealand's women's match-racing crew.

Hansen, 25, who is on the mainsheet, is considered the elder stateswoman among the trio of sailors who are all in their early 20's. Her sailing background is in the splash class and 420s.

Hansen spent two years in the Lion Foundation youth training programme.

Hansen is from Whangarei and moved to Auckland in 2004 to pursue her university studies. She graduated with a bachelor of commerce in accounting and commercial law.

On the bow is Pyatt, who is a psychology student with dreams of joining the police force. The 21-year-old Pyatt has put her aspirations to be a part of law enforcement on hold in order to chase her Olympic dream.

Pyatt, who grew up in Wellington and Waiuku, has sailing background in the optimist and 420s classes.

Hazard, 22, a future engineer, is the team's helm. Hazard, who is halfway through an engineering degree, has more of a team's racing background.

Like Pyatt, Hazard also came through the 420 class. Hazard was part of the youth training programme at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

The trio formed the country's match-racing team 18 months ago, and they have been climbing their way up the International women's match racing circuit.

They clinched an Olympic berth after a ninth-place finish at the world championships in Perth last December.

They are set to compete in a series of events throughout Europe in the first five months of this year before setting course for Weymouth in mid-July, two weeks before the Olympic regatta.

Copyright © 2012 AHN - All Rights Reserved