Olympic silver medallist Nathan Robertson is swapping his racquet for life on the ocean wave.
Britain's most decorated badminton player struck mixed doubles silver with Gail Emms at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and two years later added the world and Commonwealth title to his resume.
But the three-time Olympian - who retired shortly before London 2012 - claims his next challenge could be his greatest yet. Robertson, 38, will sail the final leg of the Clipper Round the World Race, which will take him across the Atlantic from New York to London.
“The Clipper Race is an experience I just couldn’t pass up,” said Robertson, who will joined the crew of GREAT Britain, in the 12 boat race.
"It’s really special to be doing the race and I’ve really enjoyed reading all the stories about the people who have taken part and watching the videos online.
“It’s something I had never thought about but I’m a sportsman, I’m competitive and I just love the challenge. As an indoor sportsman, I just wanted a taste for the outdoor life and you can’t get any better than being on the open sea.
“For me I think it’s going to be one of the greatest things I ever do in my life and may well even eclipse the experiences of being in the Olympics as far as pushing myself beyond what I already know because I trained for my sport for many years but this is putting myself into unknown waters so that is the challenge for me.”
Rower Bill Lucas has also signed up to compete in the toughest leg of the race, which crosses the Southern Ocean between Cape Town and Albany.
Lucas finished fifth in the double sculls at London 2012 but a back injury ended his hopes of selection for Rio.
“I have been used to competing in rowing races which last six minutes," he said. "Crossing the Southern Ocean takes more than three weeks. It is going to be quite a big test.
“Physically, the sailing mirrors our training camps, although at sea it will be over a much longer period. It is going to be a very different experience to what I am used to.”
Lucas is looking to make his sailing switch a permanent one, perhaps following the example of three-time Olympic medallist Greg Searle, who once competed in the America's Cup.
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