Thomas Saunders

Thomas Saunders, a world champion sailor representing New Zealand in the ILCA 7 class, achieved a significant milestone in 2021 by winning the ILCA 7 World Championships. This triumph made him only the second New Zealander ever to secure this title in the class, a pivotal achievement that firmly established his presence among the elite sailors globally. Demonstrating consistent prowess, Saunders seamlessly transitioned into senior competitive sailing, where his talent has enabled him to perform at the highest level on the international stage against formidable competition. Following his World Championship victory, Saunders continued to deliver strong performances across the global circuit.

Following this intense period of Olympic competition, he quickly re-established his dominance, notably securing a silver medal in the ILCA 7 class at the French Olympic Week in Hyères in April 2025. This outstanding result further demonstrated his exceptional skill in handling diverse sailing conditions and marked a successful return to the international podium, solidifying his reputation as a resilient and formidable competitor. Looking ahead, Saunders is slated for the 2025 World Championships in Qingdao, China, an event that will serve as a crucial component of his strategic campaign towards the Los Angeles 2028 Games, where he aims to build upon his Olympic experience. Beyond his rigorous athletic commitments to representing New Zealand on the world stage, Saunders also dedicates time to balancing his elite competition schedule with academic pursuits and coaching, actively contributing to the development of sailing talent.