Peter Holmberg sailing in Finn.

The Virgin Islands Olympic Committee was established in 1967 at the initiative of several citizens to promote the international participation of their athletes and recognized by the CIO that same year. His Olympic debut took place at the JJOO in Mexico 1968 and his first presence in winter games took place in Calgary 1988. Throughout his Olympic career he has achieved only one medal, that of silver obtained at the JJOO in Seoul 1988 by the regatist Peter Holmberg in the fine sailing class. In addition, there is the circumstance that Holmberg was the most serious rival of José Luis Dorete in the fight for the gold medal in this trial, a medal that he had fought almost until the last dyed and that was resolved in favor of the canary for just two points of difference. They both starred in an incidence in the fourth race that causes their disqualification which could have cost them the podium, but they ended up overperforming with excellent results in the last three sleeves.

After the silver medal in Seul 88, Holmberg was received with all honors

Peter Holmberg grew up among candles and began to practice it at an early age. His parents were navigational experts: his father Richard was Olympic in Munich 1972 and competed in the Dragon class the same in which he did it, which would be the future king of Spain, Juan Carlos de Borbón; his mother Louise became a world champion of sunfish (1), a specialty in which, at the beginning, Peter also highlighted. After completing his university studies he focused on his preparation for the 1984 JJOO of the Angels that he financed by making candles. His first Olympic experience ended with a remarkable 11th place of 36. With an Olympic cycle ahead of it, he was able to focus his preparation for Seoul in detail and as a result the podium prize came. Holmberg's is the first and only Olympic medal won by this country associated with the United States.

After the silver medal in Seul 88, Holmberg was received with all honors.

Timonel of the "Alinghi" winner of the 2007 American Cup

As a result of his long career, Holmberg is considered one of the most prestigious sailors in the Antilles and became one of the world's most well-known timbers. Thus he participated in the victory of "Matador 2" in the Maxis World Cup (1990) and came to be in number 1 of the Match-Race World ranking. He then led a Virgin Islands project for the 2000 American Cup that I can't crystallize and I end up merging with the "Star and Stripes." His connection with this competition continued as the "Oracle," second of the Louis Buiton Cup in 2003. At the end of that year I became part of the Swiss team "Alinghi" who in 2007 managed to award the precious Copa América in Valencia waters. Now retired from the high competition, he resides on Saint Thomas Island, Peter Homblerg has channeled all his experience as a navigator in a sailing consultancy whose authoritative opinion is required from different parts of the world. During three terms, he has chaired the Caribbean Sailing Association, which brings together 30 sailing competition organizers, and currently as a former member of his executive commission.

Peter Holmberg celebrating with Bertarelli and Butterworth in Valencia the victory in the American Cup. Photo: Alamy

(1) A boat that was born in the 1950s resulting from combining a candle to a surfboard so I take the name sunfish. In 1963, their competitions began. Its practice is widespread in the Americas and Caribbean countries

Photos and source: http: / / peterholmberg.com /

Text: Juan Manuel Surroco
http: / / elmargadordejmsurroca.blogspot.com
@ SurrocaJM