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Radian speaks to our local Olympic hero

Ben Ainslie takes some time out from training to talk to us about getting ready for the Olympics this year.

Ben Ainslie has been at the top of his sport for over 10 years; the triple gold and silver medallist is Britain’s most successful sailor in history and was honoured Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009. Ben started sailing at eight years old, and took part in his first competition just two years later.

Since then he has raced in competitions all over the world, and collected many medals and awards – not to mention fans! This year Ben, who lives in Lymington in our Avon region, will be going for Olympic glory again and he talks to Radian about his career so far and what it means to be sailing in home waters.

© Mark Lloyd

Investment Management Firm J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the title sponsor of Ben Ainslie’s Olympic campaign. To watch Ben’s latest behind the scenes video go to www.facebook.com/benainslie1977

How did you get into your particular sport?

I got into sailing with my family and by going down to my local sailing club in Cornwall, they had organised race nights which were competitive but also good fun. I owe a lot to the freedom I was given as a youngster to sail as much as I wanted in my free time, it allowed me to really enjoy the sport and I wouldn’t have got where I am today without that experience.

Who is your inspiration?

My personal hero has to be my Dad, he was and is a huge inspiration for me. He raced the first Whitbread Round the World race back in ’73 and his stories from that race and his enthusiasm for sailing really inspired me. My sporting hero is Russell Coutts who won the Finn Class at the ’84 Olympics and then won the Americas Cup three times.

When did you know you had qualified for the 2012 Olympics?

In September 2011, it’s a great honour to be selected to compete for Team GB and having my selection confirmed for 2012 was obviously a big relief.

How many hours a day/week do you train?

I travel a lot and I make sure I’m in a hotel with a gym or a gym close by; I try to do 2 hours a day in the gym around my time on the water. I have to keep body mass as I’m currently 10kg over my natural weight – it’s easy to lose but hard to put on. I have a structured fitness plan and whatever happens I make sure that I keep to the plan.

Where is your favourite place to train?

In the UK, Weymouth and Portland is great, the conditions are full on and it’s always great racing. Outside the UK I have been lucky to compete around the World and both Bermuda and Sydney are excellent places to compete.

What sacrifices have you had to make to get this far?

Obviously you’re away a lot of the time – so you don’t get to see some family and friends as much as you would like, but it’s a balance and I think I’ve got it about right.

What happens after the Olympics – is it on to the next championship, or time for a rest?  Does it get difficult after all the hype in the run-up to the Olympics?

After the Olympics I will be competing in the next edition of the America’s Cup World Series, with plans to join ORACLE Racing for the defence of the 34^th America’s Cup.

There is always a real down period after the Olympics, after the all the anticipation and the buzz it can leave you feeling a little empty, so having another project to focus on is exciting.

How important are family and friends in getting you to this point?

I got into sailing because of my family; I was very fortunate to have a great family behind me when I started out and still do.

If you weren’t an Olympian, what would you be doing?

An Formula 1 driver would be cool.

Are you going to be in the opening ceremony?

Not sure yet – depends what’s involved as we pretty much race the next day and I will have to travel back to Weymouth.

How do you feel about competing on home ground?

There is certainly more hype and interest, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete on home waters! However, whenever there is a competition there is an element of pressure – that is part and parcel of sailing and of sport, so you get used to it.

Are you looking forward to living at the Olympic Village?

The Team GB sailing team actually stay outside the village and always have, I’m not sure who I will be sharing with but I hope there not a snorer!

Where is home? Where will you be going back to after the Games?

I live in Lymington, when I’m in the UK. After the Games I will be heading the America for some AC45 sailing  

© Jesus Rendo

© Mark Lloyd

© Rick Tomlinson