Nick Thompson is desperate for a golden upgrade as he returns to the ISAF Sailing World Championships where the first places for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are also on offer.
Thompson has a fine pedigree on the global stage having won bronze in 2009 and silver in 2010 and 2011 – the latter coming at a multi-class regatta instead of just his Laser class.
The 28-year-old is also in good form with bronze medals secured at his two other key events this season – the European Championships and the Rio Olympic Test Event.
Thompson is yet to make his Olympic debut with Paul Goodison sailing the sole British Laser boat at Beijing 2008, where he won gold, and London 2012, where he was seventh.
And with the upcoming multi-class World Championships in Santander the first sailing qualifying regatta for Rio 2016, Thompson is determined to finally come out on top.
“It would mean a lot,” he said. “I think if there is going to be an event to do it at then this has to be the one. The ISAF Worlds is always that little bit special as it’s only every four years.
“And to do it would be fantastic and to also do it two years out from the Games would again be a really big achievement. So that is my aim, but I’m going to take it as it comes. I think it going to be a tricky old event.
“The lead up to this event I have been sailing pretty well. The events I have competed in so far have gone well, it would be nice to get a medal of a different colour and try and get a gold medal this time around.
“I think I will just take the event as it comes and go into it pretty positive and feeling confident in my sailing so far. To get a third medal for the season here would be a fantastic result and more importantly a step towards Rio gold.”
© Sportsbeat 2014