Sailboats in a lively regatta on the open water, reflecting the passion for sailing in Coronado.
Lauren Wilson from Coronado is on a mission to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games under Team USA sailing. After a long break from competitive sailing, she has rekindled her passion for the sport, influenced by her upbringing in a sailing community and her mother’s legacy. With numerous achievements under her belt, including victories in recent regattas and a burgeoning ranking in the ILCA 6, Wilson aims to inspire her children and others as she pursues her Olympic dream.
Coronado, California – Lauren Wilson, a local sailor from Coronado, is actively pursuing her dream of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles under Team USA sailing. After a nearly two-decade break from competitive sailing, Wilson has rekindled her passion and is focused on making her mark in the sport once again.
Wilson is notably a two-time Junior Yachtsman of the Year award winner, which indicates her deep-rooted talent and dedication to sailing from a young age. Growing up in a large sailing community, Wilson developed an early affinity for the sport, influenced significantly by her mother, a lifelong sailor who made sure Wilson spent ample time on the water during her childhood.
During her formative years, Wilson received top-tier coaching at the Coronado Yacht Club, where she benefitted from over a decade of training by coach John Rodgers. Her commitment to sailing led her to compete internationally, including participating in the 2002 Olympic Test event in Athens. However, the demands of competitive sailing meant missing numerous high school events, which prompted her to seek permission from Team USA Sailing for the amount of school she missed.
After achieving much in the sport, Wilson decided to take a break from competitive sailing to explore college life at the University of Southern California (USC). This hiatus lasted for several years, during which time she stepped away from the competitive scene. Yet, the thrill of sailing remained close to her heart.
Last summer, Wilson’s passion was reignited when she participated in a local regatta and claimed victory. This experience reignited her love for sailing and motivated her to return to the competitive landscape. Following this win, she received assistance from a friend who donated funds to help her acquire her own boat, which laid the foundation for her return to the competition.
Wilson began her comeback in September 2024 and quickly made a mark. She achieved victories, including winning the LCA Florida Masters Championship and securing a top-10 finish at the California Masters Regatta. As of late May 2025, she has garnered a respectable ranking of 49th in North America and 360th in the world within the ILCA 6 rankings.
A pivotal aspect of Wilson’s return is her desire to set an example for her children, instilling values of resilience, hard work, and sportsmanship. She hopes to inspire other mothers who may feel disconnected from their identities due to parenting responsibilities. With the 2028 Olympic Games approaching in just 1,108 days, Wilson remains resolutely focused on achieving her goal of representing Team USA at this significant event.
Reflecting on her past, Wilson recalls her younger self dreaming of standing on the podium and recognizes her potential to attain greatness in the sport once more. This renewed dedication not only reflects her commitment to sailing but also serves to motivate her family and those around her as she embarks on this ambitious journey towards the Olympics.
As she traverses the path back to competitive sailing, Lauren Wilson embodies determination and passion, illustrating that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams and serve as a role model for the next generation.
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