A Chicago woman will take her love of sailing and expertise in building sailing crews to Athens for the Summer Olympics.
Janet Baxter, who was named the first woman president of the US Sailing association last year, is helping to organize the support crew that will assist the U.S. Sailing Team behind the scenes in Greece.
“This is a very exciting time … We’ll have an amazing team,” says Baxter, 47, who heads the organization that encourages participation and excellence in sailing and racing.
Her work in Athens will be to help make sure “things run smoothly” for the U.S. team, from keeping an eye on scoring to making sure staffers are in place. Sailing during the Olympics takes place Aug. 14-28.
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Sailing runs deep in Baxter’s life. For decades, she and her family have sailed Lake Michigan and competed in Chicago Yacht Club’s renowned Mackinac Race. Both her father and grandfather raced in the annual event, and Baxter has participated 27 times.
“I am passionate about sailing because I love the people it attracts–smart, clever people who love the outdoors,” she said. “But there is also great pleasure in going on the water. I love going on the lake and looking back and seeing the city skyline especially with a sunset.”