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SYDNEY (AP) — Olympic gold medalist Mathew Belcher has been named skipper of the Australian challenge for sailing's America's Cup.
Belcher, who won gold in the 470 class at the 2012 London Olympics, will head Team Australia as it prepares for the next America's Cup regatta in the United States in 2017. He also intends to defend his Olympic title in Brazil in 2016.
Belcher has four world titles in the 470 class and 18 straight regattas between 2011 and 2014.
Team Australia also unveiled its first AC45 catamaran on Thursday and will train on Sydney Harbor this month with Cup-holders Oracle Team USA.
Australia hasn't competed at the America's Cup since 2000 and last held the trophy in 1983 when it became the first victorious nation other than the United States.
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