2.4mR sailor chosen

Allan Smith wins team GBR slot for Athens

Allan Smith from Leeds will sail for Great Britain in the 2.4mR class event at Athens, the British Paralympic Association announced today.

Allan secured his place on the British team when he clinched third place with an impressive performance at the French Olympic Sailing event at Hyeres in April.

The 52-year-old sailor was only beaten by Thierry Schmitter (Netherlands) and Damien Seguin (France) - who were third and second in the 2003 World Championships respectively.

But importantly he finished ahead of a strong line-up of British contenders who were battling for Britain's sole 2.4mR berth for the Paralympic Games.

"I could have easily finished as the fourth Briton in Hyeres and it wouldn't have been a disgrace," he said. "I was by no means the favourite, but I think that helped to take the pressure of me. The nature of the 2.4mR class means that there will be a lot of people who are more able-bodied than me, but I have good speed and I'm looking forward to Athens."

Allan, a former Royal Navy engineer, has used a wheelchair since sustaining a spinal cord injury in a hang gliding accident while on holiday in France 20 years ago. A former member of the GB wheelchair rugby team, he only just missed out on selection for the 2.4mR class at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. Mike Browne was selected for Sydney and finished seventh.

Allan has a busy few months ahead of him in the run-up to Athens - he competes in international events in Germany and Sweden later this month, followed by a two-week training camp in Athens and the World Open Championships in Sweden in July, and then the British Nationals at Rutland Water in August.

Stephen Park, RYA Olympic and Paralympic Manager, said: "I'm pleased that Allan has made the grade in the 2.4mR class and that he will join our Sonar team in what will be a truly world class performance sailing team for the 2004 Games."

Britain has also selected Helena Lucas from Bitterne, Southampton, as its reserve for the Sonar crew for Athens 2004. The 29-year-old just missed out on the 2.4mR berth when she finished fourth at Hyeres and will travel to Athens as a reserve for the three-person Sonar crew.

Phil Lane, British Chef de Mission for the Paralympic Games, said: "I would like to congratulate Allan and Helena on their selection for the Paralympic Games and wish them the very best of luck for Athens."

The British Paralympic Association previously selected John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas as its Sonar crew for Athens. The trio won a bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships in Athens.

Britain will take up to 180 athletes to the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, which take place between 17th and 28th September.

The British Paralympic Association is sponsored by Aggregate Industries, Visa UK, adidas UK, Easynet, Cyprus Airways, Skandia and Premier Rugby, and is also supported by UK Sport.