There's not too many athletes who have endured as many heartbreaks as Bill Abbott Jr. The skip of Canada's three-man soling crew was runner-up for an Olympic spot in 1984, 1988 and 1992. In 1980 he did make the Olympic team with father Bill Sr. as a crew member. It would turn out to be the only opportunity for the pair to sail together at the Olympics and Canada boycotted the Games.  

"Not going in 1980 is by far the biggest disappointment of my career," said Abbott Jr., who sails with long-time partner Brad Boston and brother Matt Abbott. "My father is the one that instilled the love of sailing in our family. It was his only shot in the end to go to the Olympics."  

Abbott Jr., builds boats for a living and sales, many to fellow competitors, help pay the fees to keep his crew competitive at the international level. He competed with his wife Joanne and Boston at the 1996 Olympics and the trio placed fifth. This year he feel his crew is a medal contender.  

"The field is very deep for our event at the Olympics," Abbott Jr., said. "It is really a who's who of soling sailing."

2000 Games
Sept. 20: Bill and Matt Abbott, Sarnia, Ont., and Brad Boston, Point Edward, Ont., were 13th overall after six races, eliminated from match racing competition.
Sept. 19: Men's soling: Bill and Matt Abbott, Sarnia Ont., and Brad Boston, Point Edward, Ont., were 12th overall after four races.
Sept. 18: Men's soling: Bill and Matt Abbott, both Sarnie, Ont., and Brad Boston, Point Edward, Ont., were 10th after first race.
Sept. 18: Men's soling: Bill and Matt Abbott, both Sarnia, Ont., and Brad Boston, Point Edward, Ont., were ninth after two races.

2000 Games Sailing Coverage