Jojo Doria

Clearwater, FL

Siblings Zach and Paige Railey, who each scored Olympics berths last year, have been preparing for the regatta event at the 2012 London Games, which will be staged in Weymouth, England.

The seafaring Railey siblings, of Clearwater, Florida, will represent the United States.

The Raileys, who qualified during the International Sailing Federation's (ISAF) Sailing World Championships in Perth, Australia in December, will form part of the United State's Sailing Team AlphaGraphics,

It will mark as the second Olympics for Zach, 27, who took home the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, while Paige, who had narrowly missed making the U.S. Olympic team four years ago, will finally compete in her first Olympics.

In 2007, Paige's Olympic bid was dashed when her boat capsized during the qualifying medal race. That unfortunate incident was the result of Paige's life jacket catching the boom.

Paige, 24, has indicated that she has learned from the experience and is up for the challenge in London.

Zach, who sails Finns, and Paige, who thrives in the Laser Radial class, both are one-time holders of a number-one ranking in their respective classes.

Their respective successes are the result of hard work and perseverance.

During their years at Clearwater High School, the sibling sailors had to balance school and time for training. They both had to forgo proms and parties and stick to their rigid schedules.

The Raileys begin the day at the gym then sail in the afternoon before doing their homework late at night.

For the upcoming London Games, both Zach and Paige have indicated that they are well prepared, both mentally and physically.

They would hit the gym in the morning and afternoon and train on the waters for several hours. The Raileys' typical day may also include other necessary activities such as sponsor obligations, interviews, fundraising activities and, often, travel.

There are 10 sailing events in 2012 Olympics, which will run from July 27 to Aug. 12. It has six events for men, four for women, and will feature a variety of craft from windsurfing boards to keelboats.

 

 

Siblings Zach and Paige Railey Ready for Sailing Event at Olympics