Tom Ashley

Tom Ashley, of Devonport, received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit at an investiture ceremony on 3 April 2009 for services to board sailing.  An Olympic and world champion sailboarder, he has competed since the age of 11 and internationally since 2001.  He has competed in many international events and came first at the Semaine Olympique Francseau, the Trofeo Princesa Sofia, and the South American Championships, all in 2007.  He has competed and won three Youth World Championships and competed at the World Championships in 2006, where he was placed second.  He has competed at two Olympic Games.  Mr Ashley was placed 10th in Athens in 2004 and won a gold medal in Beijing in 2008.