Wilkens Wins National Crown
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday June 14, 2001
Oak Flats teenager Dirk Wilkens (pictured above) produced an outstanding performance to take out the Australian Combined High Schools division two sailing championship title at Lake Macquarie.
Wilkens was a rock of consistency throughout the five-day event, placing second, third, fourth and sixth in his four races.
Two hundred and twenty one boats competed in four divisions, with Wilkens clinching third overall.
The 14-year-old also won the spiral class perpetual trophy.
``I was really happy with the results," Wilkens said.
``I had to beat out hundreds of other people, and there were a lot of good competitors. Being a national champion is a good feeling."
Wilkens is one of the talented members of the Illawarra Academy of Sport.
A Year Nine student at Oak Flats High, he has been sailing for seven years and represents Oak Flats Sailing Club.
Wilkens has contested several NSW and Australian championships and is keen to continue with his sport well into the future.
© 2001 Illawarra Mercury