From the white sandy beaches of Aruba to the prestigious waters of Paris 2024, Ethan Westera has navigated through various challenges to now qualify to represent Aruba in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in Sailing - IQ Foil mode of Sailing.
Born into a family with deep ties to water sports, Ethan's path in sailing can be said to be 'in his blood'.
"I was practically born at sea. I've always felt close to the sea, and I don't know any other way to live and train. I think I just love what I do, and I love the freedom I have to do it."
The sport of "sailing" quickly dominated Ethan's attention, surpassing his other athletic efforts and putting him on a path to international sailing competitions. With his father's legacy in competitive windsurfing and his grandfather's adventurous spirit at sea, it was destined that Ethan would equally adopt this sporting passion. Ethan won a silver medal at the Pan American Games, a feat he deeply cherishes. "It was a mix of emotions, but earning a silver and qualifying for the Paris Olympics was a moment of pride."
Aruba's consistent winds and warm climate make it an ideal training ground for sailors from all over the world. "We've even hosted the Dutch team for their winter training," Ethan recounts, emphasizing Aruba's world-class conditions for this sport.
However, despite having the perfect terrain to train, the sport can still bring challenges. This happened in 2022 when a severe injury tested Ethan's resilience. "The fact that I couldn't do what I love because of my injury was very tough, but I stayed motivated by focusing on small daily improvements," he explains.
"A typical day of my training now starts with waking up at 8 am, having breakfast, then stretching for 10 minutes and going to the gym. After the gym, I go home for lunch. Then I head to the club for some intensive training on the water. After training, we have a debriefing followed by more stretching and then dinner. After dinner, I go to sleep to do it all over again the next day."
The moment he qualified for the Olympics was truly bittersweet. Initially, it was a frustrating feeling because he lost the gold medal at the Pan American Games. However, he soon realized that his Olympic dream had been achieved with his silver medal.
As the Paris Olympics approach, Ethan's preparations have intensified further. He has already spent three months in France refining his technique and strategies. "For me, it's all or nothing. The last month of my training is about refining the details so I can arrive at the Olympics fresh and ready," Ethan says.
He is determined to use his speed and consistency against the best in the world.
What will be your biggest advantage in the Paris Olympics?
“I feel that I have everything necessary to compete against the big countries. My consistency and concentration during the week will be my advantage. Speed will be one of the biggest keys that you need in the Olympics, and honestly, I think the top 15 athletes have that.
In our sailing week, the last day (the medal race) will be the one that decides your result. So on the last day, you need to go in with a 'killer mentality', but still be sharp to not overdo it and tire too early."
The support from his parents has been crucial in his sports journey from age 9 to now. "My mom inspires me to dream, while my dad keeps me grounded," Ethan shares. He hopes to inspire a new generation in Aruba, with the goal of elevating the local sports culture to elite and international levels, more than is currently possible. Looking ahead with a steady gaze at Paris, Ethan's future in sailing is just an open book, with blank pages yet to be filled.
"Do sports because you love it, surround yourself with a supportive team, and always seek happiness in this journey."
If you could compete with anyone in sailing today, who would it be?
"With my dad back in his competitive days."
What is a common confusion many people have about sailing?
"People think sailing is kitesurfing or surfing. They are always surprised that we use both a sail and a board!"
Do you have any rituals you perform before each race/competition?
"I have no rituals for me."
Do you carry a lucky charm during competitions?
"I recently got a tattoo in memory of my grandfather who passed away this year. I feel like he's with me during the competitions."
Do you talk to yourself when you compete?
"Generally no, and if I do, it's usually something 'not good' ;-)"
The Comite Olimpico Arubano (COA) is Aruba's national sports organization and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Founded on August 21, 1985, following Aruba's attainment of autonomous status within the Dutch Kingdom, the COA became the National Olympic Committee (NOC) for Aruba. It separated from the Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee (NAOC) with 14 founding sports federations, including baseball, athletics, and basketball.
Recognized by the IOC since 1986, the COA's mission is to develop and protect the Olympic Movement in Aruba. The first time Aruban athletes competed in the Olympics was at the Seoul Games in 1988.
COA operated from the Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium in Oranjestad starting in 1994 and moved to a new headquarters at Vondellaan 27 in 2019. The new facility was inaugurated on March 11, 2023, after a complete renovation. The COA is affiliated with several international sports organizations, including ANOC, PANAM Sports, ODESUR, ODECABE, and CANOC.
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