Optimist Worlds in China

Five British boys get set to compete in the 500 strong fleet

Name? Tom Smedley

Class:
Optimist and 420

Date of birth:
10/02/87

Where were you born?
Berlin, germany

Where do you live now?
Havant, hampshire

Occupation?
Student

School:
Portsmouth grammar school

Position or academic year?
Year 9

At what age did you start sailing?
Five

Who or what inspired you to start sailing?
My dad

In what class?
Lots of different boats, mainly optimists

Where?
Exmouth at spinnakers sailing centre

How long have you sailed your current class?
Four years

Current sailing club?
Hayling island

Your other top sailing achievements?
1.Optimist world team, spain 2000
2.Optimist world team, china 2001
3.Optimist junior national champion 1999
4.3rd optimist at flanders youth regatta 1999
5.420 youth european team 2001
6.2nd irish nationals 2000

What’s your greatest strength in sailing?
Boat handling

What’s your greatest weakness in sailing?
Downwind tactics

What’s your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
Gold medal at Olympics

What are your other interests away from sailing?
Skiing, jazz piano, school sports

Have you competed at national/international/olympic level in any other sports?
No

Have any of your relatives competed at national/internatiuonal/olympic level in any other sports?
No

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