Tom Ashley

(www.stuff.co.nz)

Tom Ashley was born on the 11th of February 1984; he weighs 75kg and is 187cm tall. He has been competing in windsurfing since winning his first event in 1995 when he was 11. This Auckland windsurfer won three Youth World Championship titles from 2002 to 2003, and gained a second placing at the 2006 World Championships in Italy. Tom was named Young Sailor of the Year in 2002, and in 2006 was presented with an award of merit from Yachting New Zealand that recognized his sailing ability, seamanship and sportsmanship. Tom was placed 10th at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and won gold at the Beijing Olympics this year.

Tom's coaches are David Robertson, Aaron McIntosh, Grant Beck and his father John Ashley. They have supported him the whole way. He stuck with wind surfing because he and his family realized that he was very good at windsurfing from a young age. Tom Ashley is a one time gold medalist who knows what its like to do all the hard work. That’s why he’s our hero.