Kidman's phone call delivers gold

Encouragement from Nicole Kidman proved an unlikely inspiration for Australia’s golden day of sailing yesterday.

After a surprise telephone call from the actor, the men’s 470 sailing team brought home gold in Qingdao and within an hour were joined by the women’s team, avenging the sailing medal drought in Athens four years ago.

Almost unbeatable heading into the final day, Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page had the best night’s sleep of their Olympic campaign before collecting gold yesterday.