Team GB stunned many spectators to defy all odds and leave Beijing with an incredible 47 medals, including 19 Gold’s, heading towards the London Games full of confidence. TF90M decided to put some questions to Olympic sailing hero Ben Ainslie who after winning Gold in China, is now the proud owner of three Olympic gold medals and one Olympic silver medal. Obviously we asked Ben about his recent success but also quizzed him on the possibility of a United Kingdom football team at 2012, as well as posing the thought that more money should be put into such sports as sailing rather than football. Read the interview below to find out Ben’s answers as well as finding out which team he supports – though no prizes for guessing!
Firstly congratulations, how did it feel to add another Gold medal to your collection? How did this success compare with your other triumphs?
It’s in some way’s the best as I was able to win the last race in style and that was a great feeling.
How did you feel the Games went generally? Were the Chinese good hosts? Were you impressed by your fellow members of Team GB?
I thought the Games were a great success. The Chinese couldn’t have done more or been more welcoming. It was honour to be a part of such a successful team.
How does it feel to be back in England? Has the success settled in yet?
I can’t tell you how good it’s been to be back home. I’ve been training or racing internationally for four years now so to chill out at home for a bit is bliss.
Do you hope to compete in 2012 - there were rumours regarding a possible clash with the Americas Cup? Do you think the London games will be as well organised as Beijing?
I don’t anticipate a clash between the Olympics and the Americas Cup and it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to race on home waters in 2012. I expect the London Games to be equally as well run as Beijing, although the two cities are vastly different.
Many are speculating that you may receive an honour for your Olympic successes, how would that feel?
You race to win and achieve your goals. Whatever comes with that is a huge bonus and of course it nice that your achievements are recognised.
We hear you’re a Chelsea fan; do you ever get the chance to go to Stamford Bridge?
I’ve been to The Bridge quite a few times and Chelsea have always won, so I’ve always enjoyed the experience.
What do you think of the current squad? Do you think you can win the title this season?
Absolutely. Scolari is a very well respected manager; so far he seems to be getting the players working as a team. I don’t think we’ve seen that with Chelsea for a while, if they can keep that going they can beat any team and win everything.
Who is your favourite ever player? Why are you a Chelsea fan?
Zola. One of my best mates is lifelong Spurs fan. I started supporting Chelsea to wind him up when they were both mid table teams about 10 years ago.
Do you think there should be a United Kingdom football team competing in 2012?
I think it would be a great way of getting more younger players used to the pressure of representing their country. We could also field a pretty strong team with a good chance of taking a medal.
Do you feel more young people should get involved with sailing instead of such sports as football? What can be done to increase the popularity of sailing and how did you get into it?
Sailing has come a long way in the last ten years. The success’ of the Olympic Teams and the likes of Ellen Macarthur has really increased the profile of the sport and that can only be good. There is a misconception that sailing is elitist and expensive when this really isn’t the case. At an amateur level local sailing clubs are very accessible and welcoming to both young and old. I got into sailing with my family and by going down to my local sailing club in Cornwall.
By James Bailey. Our thanks and best wishes for the future go to Ben.
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