At sailing’s 2014 Europa Cup in June, the winner in the Laser Standard Class was 20-year-old British sailor Lorenzo Chiavarini. Lorenzo, the 2013 Under-21 World and European Champion and a British Sailing Team ‘Podium Potential’ sailor, led the event from the outset, posting an impressive four race wins.
Remarkably, Lorenzo hadn’t sailed competitively since the Laser World Championships in Oman in January, due to injury.
Lorenzo was treated by Dr Mike Loosemore, consultant at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) and the English Institute of Sport (EIS), together with doctors Cohen and Walker, and physiotherapists from the EIS Strength and Conditioning Team.
He says as well as expert care, Mike and his colleagues provided much-needed confidence to assist in his recovery. “Support and belief was important to get through the injury as quickly as possible. After a period of physiotherapy and fitness coaching in May, I performed well at a fitness test with the squad so took to the water again. I was pleased to win the Europa Cup event and feel as good as new.
Lorenzo said that his win provided the perfect platform for the European Championships in Split, Croatia. “It certainly ticked a lot of boxes. This was my first competitive event for a while so to finish top of the pile was a great confidence boost. I plan to compete in as many extra events as possible to accumulate lost points and improve my world ranking position.”
Following his successful recovery, Lorenzo also triumphed in the 2014 Laser Class European Under-21 Championships at Torbole, Italy. To his medical team he said: “Thanks to you all. I would not be where I am today without your help.”
Photo © Paul Wyeth/RYA