I knew that the conditions were very difficult and so there were going to be options. But then I made a horrible mistake and we got a second penalty. The first one I think was unfair, but the second was a clear mistake. I was focused on recovering positions at all costs. SH: The second penalty must have knocked you back… SL: Not at all. I know that in these short races you can go down easily but you can also fix it easily. You don’t have time to think about that, you must continue sailing as fast and well as you can. SH: Crossing the finish line it seemed you didn’t even know you were the Olympic champions. SL: I really had no idea. During the briefing I asked Cecilia [Carranza Saroli] to keep track of the points and positions – the medal race course is very complex and I did not want to be distracted from the wind and tactics. Cecilia confused the Australian and New Zealand flags, so we did not know until the RIB arrived and they told us. We thought we were second… I still can’t describe in words what I felt. SH: Talking of Cecilia, how was the partnership? SL: It has been an amazing experience. It is very motivating to form a new team; that the crew was a girl was new for me and perhaps especially challenging. But we must also consider that we had to learn how to sail a new class, so we had a set of new things that all motivated me.


I think that launching into another campaign with Carlos [Espínola, his crew in Athens and Beijing with whom he won two bronze medals] would have taken me much more effort. When the cancer emerged and also during the operation period having support from a feminine point of view was extremely important for me. SH: Was it a difficult adaptation to race with a girl? SL: Actually yes, it was hard because you do not know what her real physical endurance is, her limits. You do not know how much you can demand while training and racing. Years before I sailed with Carlos weighing 72kg and he was a ‘machine’. Suddenly I am with a girl who weighs 62kg. It was very difficult to know her limits. SH: But didn’t she tell you? SL: Yes, of course. She suffered a lot, she tried a lot, but I am very demanding. Actually, I am obsessive and sometimes I did not believe her complaints so I kept on and on pushing her… SH: And the pressure of crewing for Argentina’s sailing legend? SL: For Cecilia sailing with me was an achievement, but I demanded a lot of her. There were times we almost quit. It was a complex challenge and I am very proud of her behaviour, and the team’s. The Games was our best race of the Olympic cycle – not a coin- cidence. All the work was excellent; our young coach Mateo Mag- alani, Cole Parada, who joined Mateo for the last two years, and Dani Espina, a yoga teacher who I have worked with since 1993. SH: What did you say to your children? SL: The hug with my puppies [as Santi always refers to his sons] when they swam over was impressive, there are hugs that express more than many millions of words. For me these Games were very emotional: there are not many times in the history of the Olympics when parents have competed alongside their children. I had the privilege of being able to live and enjoy every minute. And their result [in the 49er] was amazing considering they were rookies. SH: Were you aware of their results? SL: Yes of course. I never looked at my own results, but I did theirs! SH: So will Santiago Lange prepare for the next Games? SL: I don’t lack interest… I know how difficult it is and the number of things you need to put aside to arrive well prepared for the Games. I have nothing to prove and I know I have a great team to continue with. We all have to sit together and talk about it. And I have to respect the wishes of the youngest, Cecilia and Matthew, because they have to decide their future as soon as possible. Another issue is that World Sailing have not decided the next Olympic classes – that is incomprehensible. It is crucial to the lives of so many people. SH: And now… SL: I’m still enjoying the situation and will stay in Argentina until December. I feel I must stay and share my experience with those less fortunate than me. Then I have to decide about another Olympic campaign as well as other projects, but I don’t like to think too much about it. This is just a time to enjoy and share my experiences. Carlos Pich


18 SEAHORSE


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