Thomas Zajac is an Austrian competitive sailor, former #1 in the World in sailing for three years. Today, Thomas is Team USA’s Head Coach, as well as for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, in the mixed Nacra 17 where he won a bronze medal. Zajac was the flag bearer for Austria during the closing ceremonies along with Tanja Frank.

Thomas attended high school and technology education in Leistungssport, Vienna, where he also started sailing activities at sail-making lofts. He preceded to study law at the University Vienna and Johannes Keppler University Linz, later graduating with a Business Administration & Sport“ at FH-Burgenland, obtaining his Master of Business Administration, MBA in 2014.

He was employed at the Austrian Armed Forces as professional athlete from 2005 to 2021. Today, Thomas remains very active as the official coach for the N17 USA Team as well as competing at the America’s Cup and world championships. Other highlights include: TV commentator for the prestigious America’s Cup, Flag bearer for Austria at the Rio closing ceremony, and opening ceremony at the Tokyo Olympics. Thomas was also winner of the Extreme Sailing Series Overall Championship. 

On the personal side Thomas is also the co-owner and CEO of ‘brösl’ restaurant, in Vienna.