Ben Ainslie, one of Britain’s top Olympic medal hopefuls heading into the London Games this summer, won a record sixth Finn Gold Cup last week. The singlehanded Finn dinghy is one of the hardest boats to sail because of its size and the strength needed of the skipper. That Ainslie has won six Finn Gold Cups, twice more than any other skipper, and is aiming for a fourth consecutive Gold medal in the class is a testament not only to his physical fitness, but also his intense dedication to the game.
“Medal race day on August 5 is a big day for me,” Ainslie, 35, said. “I have got to get back down to earth and concentrate on my preparations. I am quietly confident, it is still a long way to go, but I have to keep focused.”
After dominating the regatta in Falmouth, U.K., Ainslie two days later began the Olympic torch relay at Land’s End.
Ainslie was the first of 139 torchbearers slated for the 70-day, 8,000-mile journey of the torch relay, a moment he called “one of the most nervous of my life.”
Ainslie walked his 300-meter leg, waving to the crowd (lined 100 deep) and allowing fans to touch the torch before passing the flame to local surfer Tassy Swallow.
“I didn't have anything scripted, I didn’t know whether I would run, sprint, walk or crawl, everyone was so excited,” added Ainslie.
“The torch was quite heavy. Initially when the gas canister (in the torch) was full it was a bit hairy, it nearly singed my eyebrows. It was pumping out a big flame because there was a decent breeze. I didn't want to rush it; I wanted everyone to be part of it.”
From : Oracle Racing
Credit AP
“Medal race day on August 5 is a big day for me,” Ainslie, 35, said. “I have got to get back down to earth and concentrate on my preparations. I am quietly confident, it is still a long way to go, but I have to keep focused.”
After dominating the regatta in Falmouth, U.K., Ainslie two days later began the Olympic torch relay at Land’s End.
Ainslie was the first of 139 torchbearers slated for the 70-day, 8,000-mile journey of the torch relay, a moment he called “one of the most nervous of my life.”
Ainslie walked his 300-meter leg, waving to the crowd (lined 100 deep) and allowing fans to touch the torch before passing the flame to local surfer Tassy Swallow.
“I didn't have anything scripted, I didn’t know whether I would run, sprint, walk or crawl, everyone was so excited,” added Ainslie.
“The torch was quite heavy. Initially when the gas canister (in the torch) was full it was a bit hairy, it nearly singed my eyebrows. It was pumping out a big flame because there was a decent breeze. I didn't want to rush it; I wanted everyone to be part of it.”
From : Oracle Racing
