MIAMI – “This is the U. S. Sailing Center. “We are based in the U. S. and it’s where we do a lot of our training, pretty much all winter. It’s a very special position because we’re right on the water. Having waterfront assets in Miami is crazy. “Olympic athlete Lara Dallman-Weiss said.
CBS News Miami is preparing to embark here on the U. S. Sailing Center in Coconut Grove with Miami’s Lara Dallman-Weiss, who will soon make her moment at the Summer Olympics.
We first met Lara after returning from Tokyo in 2021, when she competed in the tandem boat with her wife Nikole Barnes. Unfortunately, they didn’t win any medals.
This time, Lara is heading to Paris to compete in an exciting new category: the first combined two-seater tender. Her new partner, Stu McNay, joins her on this Olympic journey. They earned their spot at the January test, which was held right here in Miami.
“Which is just amazing, because it’s nothing unusual for our friends and family to be able to see us sailing. It’s just amazing to have boats on the water. People can just look at us. My mom there, my dad there,” Dallman-Weiss said.
This experience is completely different than the postponed games of 2020, when all teams were locked down due to COVID. Families were unable to attend and athletes were confined to their own bubbles.
“I like it, I have to enjoy the Games in a different way. I just have to feel the Olympic spirit in a different way than I did in Tokyo and not wake up and get a COVID check every morning. And like, “yes, I’m very excited,” Lara said.
That day, Lara asked Magnus Liljedah to take CBS News Miami’s Lisa Petrillo on his boat.
Magnus is an Olympic gold medalist in sailing for Team USA. U. S. He competed at the Sydney Olympics 2000. Su 20-foot sounding is larger than that of the Lara breed, which is less than 15 feet. When Lara sails, it’s literally the look of the boat.
Now, Magnus, do you have a real chance?” asked Lisa Petrillo of CBS News Miami.
“Absolutely,” he said. Petrillo asked what his biggest recommendation is for her. “Enjoy the moment, that’s for sure. Not everyone will make it, but she has a wonderful opportunity,” Liljedah said.
“It’s going to have to be great to know that not only your entire network here where you live, but all of the United States of America is you!” asked Lara.
“It’s crazy to start feeling the momentum of Team USA. “I want to see the other athletes and think they’re my teammates and it’s like the U. S. “If the U. S. was a powerhouse and you feel it,” Lara said.
Before they knew it, we were feeling the force of the winds. They gave up and so did the ship.
“So, you see that whiff over here?” said Lara, causing the ship to tilt dramatically to one side.
“Welcome to sail!!” Lara said, following Lisa’s laughter.
He did it again, and then Petrillo’s hat flew off and Lara easily retrieved it.
“So, there’s a race of other people who can come out of this water and do all this, but do you love it?” asked Petrillo.
“I love it. I’m obsessed and our careers are crazy. I mean, we run six days and it’s the sport of maximum intensity,” Lara said with a laugh as the spirit grew stronger.
A day of adventure for us, not just anything for this experienced sailor who aspires to Olympic gold.
“Do you want to win this baby?” Lisa asked.
“Yes,” Lara said.
“And if not, are you ready for that too?” asked Petrillo.
“I think you’re the first user to ask me that. But yes, I mean, I have to get used to knowing that it’s the journey, it’s the other people you meet. I need to win that gold medal, and I see it. Every morning I see myself on the most sensible step of the podium. But if that doesn’t happen, I’ll have an amazing life,” he said.