US Sailing is pleased to announce Stephan Baker as the recipient of the Kevin Burnham Memorial Grant. Baker, together with his teammate Sophie Fisher, is campaigning in the Nacra 17 class with the goal of representing the United States at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Baker and Fisher recently competed at the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma, Spain, where they finished 26th overall and were the top-finishing American team in the Nacra 17 fleet. Their result came as part of a strong showing for the U.S. delegation, with 47 American athletes competing across the Olympic classes.
Baker knew Kevin Burnham personally, having been coached by him in the 29er. Burnham partnered Baker with one of his i420 sailors to compete in the 29er, where they were able to qualify for the Youth World Championship.
“I am very honored to receive this grant in Kevin’s memory,” said Stephan Baker. “I was lucky enough to know Kevin personally and receive coaching from him, and his energy and enthusiasm was truly one of a kind. To have the opportunity to receive the grant and carry his Olympic spirit forward means a lot to me.”
The Kevin Burnham Memorial Grant supports athletes working to advance along the Olympic pathway while carrying forward Kevin’s legacy of passion, commitment, and Olympic spirit. For Stephan and Sophie, this support comes at an important moment as they continue building their Nacra 17 campaign and pursuing their goal of representing Team USA at LA28.
Learn more about the Kevin Burnham Memorial Grant: https://www.ussailing.org/about/ussf/kevin-burnham-memorial-fund/