Tom King OAM and Mark Turnbull OAM

"This extraordinary 470 crew won gold at the 2000 Olympics. Under coach Victor Kovalenko, King and Turnbull developed a distinctive, high-level technique and tactical skill that set them apart as a Team."

Tom King OAM and Mark Turnbull OAM played a major role in bringing sailing into the spotlight as one of the most compelling and successful events at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Under coach Victor Kovalenko, the duo won the 470 class men’s gold medal on Sydney Harbour.

The Australian 470 women’s crew, Jenny Armstrong and Belinda Stowell, also secured gold. Together, the Australian teams won the first gold medals by Australian sailors in the Olympic arena in almost three decades.

Both Turnbull and Kinggrew up sailing in Victoria. As juniors, they were national champions in the Mirror and Sabot classes respectively.

In 1997 they joined forces to sail the Olympic 470 class together. King had previously sailed at the Atlanta Olympics with Owen McMahon.

With high-level dedication and determination, King and Turnbull developed a distinctive technique and tactical skills as they prepared to represent Australia on the international stage.

Their ascent of world rankings culminated in a win at the World Championships at Hungary, four months out from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

At the Sydney Games, the pair began the regatta with a fifth placing, then remained in a top-three position overall throughout the week.

To win the gold medal, the Australians only needed to finish within five spots of their rivals from the United States in the final race on Sydney Harbour on September 28 – a target they accomplished with ease by winning the deciding race.

The nation watched in awe as King and Turnbull secured the pinnacle of success on home waters.