Alison Young believes she is well-placed to make more sailing history when she starts her Olympic campaign this afternoon.
Young arrived in Rio as one to watch having become the first British woman to win a world title in an Olympic solo dinghy class earlier this year.
She was fifth four years ago in London, admitting that despite initial disappointment the result probably reflected her world standing.
However, this time around a medal is a legitimate target, though the women’s laser class is arguably the most stacked at the Olympic regatta.
Dutch sailor Marit Bouwmeester, the silver medallist four years, is currently ranked number one in the world and has won two recent events on the same waters off the Marina de Gloria.
After a break from sailing China’s Lijia Xu will travel to Rio hoping to defend her title while Belgium’s Evi Van Acker has enjoyed a successful World Cup season and American Paige Railey will be itching to avenge her single point defeat to Young at the Worlds.
“Winning the worlds was a good confidence boost to take forwards,” said Young.
“To perform under pressure in that environment and to keep it together all the way through
a seven-day regatta was a good omen and a real learning experience.
”The last four years, there have been plenty of ups and downs but I feel things are starting to come right when it matters.
“The worlds gave me self-belief that I could do it. I was a bit in shock after we finished because it was so close.
"I’ve never stood on a worlds podium and doing it in an Olympic year is pretty cool, obviously I'd like to do it again in Rio."
Young’s team-mate Nick Thompson will also start his men’s Laser campaign as the reigning world champion, having spent time acclimatising with 2008 Olympic champion Paul Goodison, the man who pipped him to a place on team four years ago.
“Sailing is a tough sport because we get one spot, per nation at the Olympics,” he said.
“Missing London actually motivated me, it made me want to work hard to not watch Rio on the television.
“I went down to Weymouth to watch some races and feel part of it because obviously I had loads of friends competing. I’m here to win, it won’t be easy but I’m feeling confident about my form.
“A medal is the first ambition but there’s no point going in without saying you are here to win.”
Sportsbeat 2016