Torben Grael

Torben Grael
Grael in 2003
Personal information
Full nameTorben Schmidt Grael
NicknameTurbine
Nationality Brazilian
Born (1960-07-22) 22 July 1960 (age 64)
São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Sailing career
Class(es)Soling, Star
ClubBrazil Rio Yacht Club
Medal record
Sailing
Representing  Brazil
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1996 Atlanta Star class
Gold medal – first place 2004 Athens Star class
Silver medal – second place 1984 Los Angeles Soling class
Bronze medal – third place 1988 Seoul Star class
Bronze medal – third place 2000 Sydney Star class
Torben Grael, skipper of Ericsson 4 and overall winner of the Volvo Ocean Race 2009

Torben Schmidt Grael (born 22 July 1960) is one of the most well known Brazilian sailors, renowned in international competitions. A descendant of Danes, he was taken sailing by his grandfather at the age of five years on the sailboat Aileen, of the 6 Metre class, which was the boat used by the silver medal-winning 1912 Summer Olympics Danish sailing team. Once he moved to Niterói, he started sailing with his brother, Lars Grael, also an Olympic medal winner, on the Bay of Guanabara. Another brother, Axel Grael, is the current mayor of Niterói. He is father of Olympic champion Martine Grael and sailor Marco Grael.