By Mike Rowbottom

Charlie McKee head and shouldersNovember 30 - The United States sailing team, seeking to renew its Olympic challenge after the disappointing showing at the London 2012 Games, has appointed double Olympic medallist Charlie McKee as its High Performance director.


The announcement came three months after the United States' embarrassing failure in London, where it failed to win a medal for the first time since the 1936 Berlin Games.

McKee's responsibilities will include managing all on-the-water elements of the US sailing team, including the coaching programme, technical development and youth development.

The 50-year-old from California will report to Josh Adams, managing director of the US Olympic sailing programme.

Adams says McKee "is absolutely the right person to lead all performance aspects" of the team.

McKee won the bronze medal in the 470 class in the 1988 Olympics with John Shadden and the bronze in the 49er in 2000 with his brother, Jonathan.

Charlie McKee with brother Jonathan at Sydney 2000 September 25Charlie and Jonathon McKee on their way to a bronze medal in the 49er at Sydney 2000

He also coached the US windsurfers in 1992, when Michael Gebhardt won silver.

McKee also has been involved in two America's Cup campaigns.

"I am honoured to be a part of this effort," said McKee.

"We plan to build on the good work that has been done previously, and work hard to give athletes the support they need to succeed in the increasingly competitive environment that is Olympic Sailing today.

"This includes a focus on technical expertise, high-level coaching and sufficient funding.

"There are many different paths to athletic success, and we intend to work with both the elite-level and aspiring athletes to help them to achieve their goals in the best way we can."

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