Irish Olympian Mark Lyttle of the National Yacht Club has reflected on his Atlanta 1996 campaign as part of ILCA's 30 Years of Olympic ILCA Sailing series, marking three decades since the Laser class made its Olympic debut.

The series features sailors who competed at the 1996 Games and looks back on what the milestone means 30 years later.

For Lyttle, Atlanta fulfilled a dream that began in 1977 when he received his first Laser while growing up sailing in Dún Laoghaire. Representing Ireland in Savannah, he raced against many of the sport's biggest names and still regards the venue as one of the finest sailing locations he has experienced. Among the highlights of his Olympic regatta was victory in Race Three.

Lyttle's involvement with the class has continued long after his Olympic campaign. He remains an active competitor and has won the ILCA 7 Grand Masters World Championship twice—first on home waters in Dún Laoghaire in 2018 and again in Athens in 2026.

Away from competition, he has also assumed one of the sport's leading administrative roles. At the end of 2025, Lyttle succeeded Tracy Usher as President of the International Laser Class Association (ILCA).

Looking back on Atlanta, Lyttle joins fellow Olympians in reflecting on the impact of competing at the Games and the enduring legacy of the ILCA class over the past three decades.

See the interview Mark Lyttle gave to ILCA Worlds on YouTube below