Born: 1956 (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Biography:
Allison Blair Jolly (born August 4, 1956) is an American sailor and Olympic champion. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jolly began sailing at the age of 10 and attended the Florida State University where she won the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association National Championships in 1975 and 1976.
In 1976, at the age of 20, Jolly became the youngest woman ever to win the US Sailor of the Year Awards, which is considered the top prize in yachting in the U.S. This early success marked the beginning of a remarkable career in sailing.
After college, Jolly worked as a computer programmer in Valencia, California to support her sailing. She and her husband, Mark Elliot, who was also a computer programmer and sailor, saved $8,000 for a down payment on a house, but instead used it to buy their first boat. This decision demonstrated Jolly’s dedication to her passion and would prove instrumental in her future success.
In 1987, Jolly and her sailing partner, Lynne Jewell, entered the Olympic trials for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Despite a poor start in the qualifiers, they rose to the top and secured a spot to represent the United States in the 470 Class.
At the Olympics, Jolly and Jewell faced formidable competition, but they defied the odds and showed their resilience. In the first race, they placed third, showcasing their talent and determination. Despite encountering challenges, including capsizing twice in the following race, they remained undeterred.
Through their perseverance, Jolly and Jewell emerged as gold medalists in the 470 Class, with a convincing lead over their competitors. Their victory made them the only American sailors, male or female, to win a gold medal in the games. This accomplishment not only highlighted their exceptional skills but also paved the way for more women’s participation in sailing competitions.
Following their Olympic triumph, Jolly continued to pursue her passion for sailing. Just three days after returning from the Olympics, she and her husband competed in the US Yacht Racing Union’s Championship of Champions. While they faced challenges due to the differences in the boat they raced, Jolly remained steadfast in her commitment to the sport.
In 1994, Jolly sought to join the first-ever all-female team in the America’s Cup yachting race. The team, organized by Bill Koch, aimed to challenge the male-dominated competition. However, in a shocking decision, Jolly and Lynne Jewell were cut from the team after tryouts and training.
Today, Jolly continues her involvement in sailing by serving as the head coach of the Bulls sailing team at the University of South Florida. She shares her extensive knowledge and experience with young sailors, nurturing their skills and passion for the sport.
Allison Jolly’s significant achievements, perseverance, and contribution to promoting women’s involvement in sailing have solidified her place in women’s history and left an indelible mark on the sport.
Awards:
– US Sailor of the Year Award (1976, 1988)
– Adams Cup (1979)