Two of the rising young stars in British sailing are the newest members of Team GB for the London 2012 Olympic Games, it was announced today by the British Olympic Association (BOA). Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell, who compete in the Men’s 470 Class, have been nominated to Team GB by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing.
The addition of Patience and Bithell brings to 21 the number of athletes who have officially been selected for Team GB. The announcement was made on the 200-day countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The duo of Patience and Bithell have been competing together since 2009 and, in their relatively brief time together, have enjoyed a steady rise in the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) world rankings. They finished the 2010 season ranked fourth in the world and clinched their place on Team GB by winning the silver medal at the 2011 ISAF World Championships last month in Perth, Australia. They made their debut in the ISAF World Championships in 2009 after having competed together for just two weeks, and brought home a silver medal.
Patience was born in Helensburgh, Scotland and now lives in Portland. He began sailing in an Optimist at the age of seven and started racing two years later at his local sailing club, Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club. He will celebrate his 26th birthday on 4th August, just two days before the Men’s 470 medal race and victory ceremony (6th August).
Bithell was born in Rochdale, England and now lives in Portland. He was introduced to sailing as a seven year old at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club in Rochdale in a Firefly. Bithell began racing competitively at the age of 12 and became a member of the Skandia Team GBR Development Squad at the age of 18. He will celebrate his 26thbirthday on 28th August, 16 days after the 2012 Olympic Games conclude.
Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt:
Team GB Sailing Team Leader Stephen Park:
Luke Patience
Stuart Bithell