Olympic Bronze Medallist Lucas Calabrese joins US Performance Academy

US Performance Academy announced on 4 September that the Olympic 470 Medalist and past Optimist World Champion Lucas Calabrese has joined US PerformanceAcademy as a member of the Founding Advisory Board. A native of Argentina,Calabrese is considered one of the most innovative coaches in the world and aleader in talent development in youth sailing classes.

“I am excited to be part of setting a course for the future of this new school,” said Calabrese. “I understand the challenges of balancing academics, sailing and life,and I think USPA will help this new generation of racers experience more success in academics than ever before possible.”

Calabrese was lead coach for the Williford twins throughout their Optimist sailing career, which included wins at the US Team Trials, US Nationals, North American and South American Championships as well as multiple IODA World Championship teams. He also coached the U18 and U21 US Sailing Team in the 420 and 470 classes. Additionally, Calabrese has worked with national teams around the world including New Zealand, Korea and Hong Kong. Calabrese speaks English, Spanish and Italian and is well versed in international competition, travel and logistics. He brings real world experience with sponsors,national sporting bodies and mental and emotional development to USPA.

"Lucas is one of the innovators in a global paradigm shift to high performancesailing,” said Blake MacDiarmid, USPA Co-Founder and Chief Performance Officer.

“I have worked with him for almost six years and have seen first handhow his holistic, integrated approach brings balance to the oftentimes chaotic world of racing sailboats – and creates confident champions.”

“What impresses me most about Lucas Calabrese is his interest in blendinglearning and academic innovation with his coaching,” said Peter Smith, USPACo-Founder and Chief Academic Officer.

“We are excited to include hissuccessful outside the box approach to mental toughness, focused training and Olympic success in USPA’s academic and performance culture.”

More Information:
US Performance Academy

Image: Lucas Calabrese/Juan de la Fuente (ARG) competing at the 2012 Olympic Games © Matias Capizzano