Ross Killian represented Ireland as crew in the men’s 470 class dinghy at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games alongside helmsman Ger Owens, finishing 16th overall in the regatta at the Agios Kosmas Olympic Sailing Centre.

Born in Dublin and a member of the East Antrim Boat Club in Larne, Killian brought considerable experience in the 470 class to the partnership with Owens. After Athens he moved into coaching, serving as the Irish Sailing Association’s 470 coach at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and subsequently taking on the role of Junior Performance Manager and 420 Academy Coach within Irish Sailing’s performance structure – roles that drew directly on his combined experience as Olympic competitor and coach.

He organised the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals and managed the coaching and programming of the 420 Academy, preparing younger sailors for progression to Olympic level. He and Ger Owens rekindled their partnership long after their competitive careers ended – teaming up to win the 2021 All Ireland Sailing Championships at the Royal Cork Yacht Club.