Peter Burling is no stranger to sailing at the highest level. Whether competing in the Olympics, The Ocean Race or the America’s Cup as pilot of Emirates Team New Zealand, it’s no wonder he’s received one of the most prestigious awards in sailing – the Magnus Olsson Prize.
The Mange Olsson Foundation announced Peter Burling as the 2020 winner of the prestigious Magnus Olsson Prize, awarded annually to an individual who has made an indelible contribution to the world of sailing. Previous recipients include Torben Grael, Sir Ben Ainslie, Stan Honey, Santiago Lange, Grant Dalton and Carolijn Brouwer.
Peter Burling from Tauranga, New Zealand is by far the youngest winner of the prize. Despite his young age (29) Burling has an impressive CV with both an Olympic gold and silver medal, and nine World Championship titles to his name.
Peter Burling on arrival in Auckland. Leg 06 – The Ocean Race.
“It’s a great honor to be acknowledged by the Mange Olsson Memorial Foundation for this award. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Magnus but his epic race in Ericssonc 3 in the 2008-09 edition of the Ocean Race definitely inspired my Round the World path,” says Burling.
A leader
As a leader, Burling continues to demonstrate his ability to skipper and manage successful world class teams in the sport of sailing. He was the 35th America’s Cup champion helmsman with Emirates Team New Zealand in 2017 and watch captain and helmsman with Team Brunel in the 2017–18 edition of The Ocean Race, finishing 3rd overall. He was named Male World Sailor of the Year at the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards in 2017. Burling and his partner on the 49er, Blair Tuke also won the award in 2015, and were finalists in both 2014 and again in 2016.
As well as their accomplishments on the water in 2019 Burling and Tuke founded the marine conservation charity Live Ocean, which has a focus on restoration and protection of New Zealand’s ocean. The charity achieves this by accelerating and amplifying world-class marine science, innovation and public education.
A big year ahead
2021 is shaping up to be another big year for Burling who is currently preparing to defend the America’s Cup on home waters in March with teammates on Emirates Team New Zealand. This will be followed by the launch of his SailGPNZ team in April, and the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021.
Burling received the Magnus Olsson Prize 2020 via a virtual prize giving event.
Gustav Morin, on board reporter on Ericsson3 who managed to catch many good “Mange moments”, Frida Langenius, prominent Swedish sailor, and TVNZ’s legend Martin Tasker hosted the event in Auckland.
About the Mange Olsson Memorial Foundation
The Mange Olsson Memorial Foundation was created to continue the essence of enthusiasm, passion, and determination that Mange (Magnus) brought to the sport of sailing. In his spirit the Foundation aims to inspire and support young sailors in Sweden, as well as reward international sailors who develop our sport at both a human and competitive level. The Foundation will also enable a network for young sailors to exchange experiences with the more established sailors. The Foundation is financially supported by companies and individuals who wish to ensure that the values that Mange embodied, continue to live on.
Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race
Magnus Olsson celebrating
Ericsson 3 are the third boat into Cape Town on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/09
Get more: Listen to this podcast with Peter Burling and sailing partner Blair Duke.
