Small Business Boomers

U.S. Sailor, Boomer Olympic Athlete, Another Story of Determination

by Jean on August 15th, 2008

John Dane III has overcome a lot, including Hurricane Katrina, to get to the Beijing Olympics.

Dane, who is 58, has a PhD from Tulane and owns a yacht company that was in the path of Hurricane Katrina. He lost both his home and his business in that devastating event. He rebuilt his company, which is bigger and better than ever.

In the meantime, Dane has been trying to get the Olympics for 40 years! Finally, racing with his son-in-law Austin Sperry, he managed to get a berth (couldn’t resist the pun) on the U.S. Sailing Team.

“Austin’s youth, athleticism and enthusiasm coupled with my racing experience and never-say-die attitude make us a great team,” says Dane.

photo: newscom.com

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POSTED IN: Baby Boomers as Olympic athletes, Being A Boomer, Boomers in Family Businesses