The last time Martin Kirketerp visited China he won an Olympic gold medal. Almost four years on he is back in a much more modest role, working as shore crew for Team Sanya in pursuit of another childhood dream -- to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race.
For some people, working what amounts to a second apprenticeship would seem a long way down from the top of an Olympic podium but for the unassuming Kirketerp the sacrifice is worth it.
"It's always been a childhood dream of mine to take part in the Volvo Ocean Race and this is an opportunity to learn a lot about the boats and get to know the people," Kirketerp said on a break from his work at the Sanya stopover, which includes polishing the boat and keeping the workroom tools in good order.
"Everyone knows that I want to sail the boat as well but when that happens isn't for me to say."
The switch from dinghy sailing to dealing with a massively powerful Volvo Open 70 clearly involves learning a lot of new skills but Kirketerp believes the ultimate sensation will be similar.
"There are lots of similarities and differences," he said. "What this race has is a huge adrenaline rush -- it must give you that same rush to sail these boats at night time.
"Of course, taking this shore team job for Team Sanya is a great learning curve. You get into the boats and have the mindset of getting on the boat. It's a great stepping-stone.
"I won an Olympic gold medal and being at the top of the podium feels unreal. If I get the same feeling once or twice more in my life I'll be a happy man. That's why I want to be in the Volvo Ocean Race -- to get the same feeling."
Kirketerp tasted success alongside fellow Dane Jonas Warrer in the 49er class at the 2008 Olympics, with the pair beating Spanish duo, Iker Martínez and Xabi Fernández to the gold.
Those names will be familiar to anyone following the race, with Martinez skippering the current overall race leaders Team Telefónica and Fernández a member of his crew.
There was a measure of controversy over the result, with the Danish pair sailing the final round in a borrowed boat, but there is no hint of bad blood between them.
"No, there's no bad feelings," he said. "I see them around and we say hello. We are all good mates."
From : Volvo Ocean Race
Credit : I. Roman/VOR
For some people, working what amounts to a second apprenticeship would seem a long way down from the top of an Olympic podium but for the unassuming Kirketerp the sacrifice is worth it.
"It's always been a childhood dream of mine to take part in the Volvo Ocean Race and this is an opportunity to learn a lot about the boats and get to know the people," Kirketerp said on a break from his work at the Sanya stopover, which includes polishing the boat and keeping the workroom tools in good order.
"Everyone knows that I want to sail the boat as well but when that happens isn't for me to say."
The switch from dinghy sailing to dealing with a massively powerful Volvo Open 70 clearly involves learning a lot of new skills but Kirketerp believes the ultimate sensation will be similar.
"There are lots of similarities and differences," he said. "What this race has is a huge adrenaline rush -- it must give you that same rush to sail these boats at night time.
"Of course, taking this shore team job for Team Sanya is a great learning curve. You get into the boats and have the mindset of getting on the boat. It's a great stepping-stone.
"I won an Olympic gold medal and being at the top of the podium feels unreal. If I get the same feeling once or twice more in my life I'll be a happy man. That's why I want to be in the Volvo Ocean Race -- to get the same feeling."
Kirketerp tasted success alongside fellow Dane Jonas Warrer in the 49er class at the 2008 Olympics, with the pair beating Spanish duo, Iker Martínez and Xabi Fernández to the gold.
Those names will be familiar to anyone following the race, with Martinez skippering the current overall race leaders Team Telefónica and Fernández a member of his crew.
There was a measure of controversy over the result, with the Danish pair sailing the final round in a borrowed boat, but there is no hint of bad blood between them.
"No, there's no bad feelings," he said. "I see them around and we say hello. We are all good mates."
From : Volvo Ocean Race
