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Profile

A five times Olympic medallist, with four gold medals, one silver and 11 World Champion titles to his name, Sir Ben Ainslie is the most successful Olympic sailor ever. After intense battles on the water of Weymouth and Portland at London 2012, Ben won his fourth consecutive gold medal. Adding to his success he is also four times ISAF World Sailor of the Year, the only sailor ever to win this honour 4 times and was awarded a knighthood in the 2012 New Years Honours list.  After winning his third Olympic gold medal in Beijing, Ben became skipper of the British America's Cup challenger, TEAMORIGIN, before switching back to the Finn in November 2010 to campagin for London. Post London 2012 he turned his attention to his next project - the AC45 World Series with his racing team J.P. Morgan BAR.  

Olympic Results

2012, Gold medal, Finn class, London Olympic Games 

2008, Gold medal, Finn Class, Beijing Olympic Games
2004, Gold medal, Finn Class, Athens Olympic Games
2000, Gold medal, Laser Class, Sydney Olympic Games
1996, Silver medal, Laser Class, Atlanta Games
 
Olympic Classes Highlights
Two times Laser World Champion (1998, 1999)

Four times Laser European Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)

Five times Finn World Champion (Finn Gold Cup) (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2012)

Four times Finn European Champion (2002, 2003, 2005, 2008)

Other

ISAF Youth World Champion (1995)

Laser Radial World Champion (1993)

Ben Ainslie Awards                 
2005 - BBC South Sports Awards: Best Sportsman
2008, 2004, 2002, 2000 & 1999 - Raymarine/YJA British Yachtsman of the Year
2008 - BBC South Sports Awards: Sports Personality of the year
2008 & 2004 - BBC South Sports Awards: Yachtsman of the year
2008, 2002 & 1998 - International Sailing Federation World Sailor of the Year
2008 - BBC Southwest Yachtsman of the year
2008 - British Olympic Association Athlete of the Year for Sailing

Ben Ainslie CBE Interesting Facts
DOB:  5th February 1977
Born:  Macclesfield (grew up Restronguet, Cornwall)
Schools:  Peter Symonds College, Winchester, Truro School, Truro,
Started sailing:  Aged 8 in Restronguet Creek, Cornwall
Current Olympic Class:  Finn class
Duration in current class:  Since 2001. Annouced his retirement from Olympic sailing in November 2012 
Greatest strengths in sailing:  My greatest strength is that I never give up
Biggest goal:  Now - to win the America's Cup for Britain 
Other interests away from sailing:  Football, cricket and golf
Have you ever had any major injuries: A snapped ankle ligament kept me out of training for 5 weeks also a back injury leading up to London 2012 
Who is the biggest influence in your life: My parents, Roddy and Susan, who have given me endless time and support over the years

Check out Ben Ainslie's sporting timeline on the Volvo Sailing App http://bit.ly/14nOOP4