Aussie Teen Completes Solo Voyage Around World

16-year-old sailor is the youngest person to do so
By Nx Doyle
Posted May 15, 2010 1:22 AM CDT Posted May 15, 2010 1:22 AM CDT
Promoted on Newser May 15, 2010 7:30 AM CDT
Aussie Teen Completes Round the World Voyage
ORIGINAL IMAGE CAPTION: Sixteen-year-old Jessica Watson, center, shakes hands with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as her mother, Julie looks on.    (AP)

After 210 days at sea, 16-year-old Australian Jessica Watson sailed into Sydney Harbour today to complete her solo and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe. She's the youngest person ever to make such a trip. Australia's ABC reports that thousands of cheering locals crowded the shore to welcome Watson, who, after taking her first steps on dry land in 7 months was later lauded with praise by Australian PM Kevin Rudd.

"At 16 years old, you are a hero to all young Australians," Rudd said. "You are also a hero to all young Australian women. You do our nation proud." An overwhelmed Watson drew cheers from the crowd at the Sydney Opera House by replying that she disagreed. "I don't consider myself a hero, I'm just an ordinary girl. You just have to have a dream, believe in it and work hard."

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