I am sitting in my room in the village in Beijing, reflecting over events that have happened in the last month. It seems like years ago that we arrived in Qingdao full of confidence and determination to follow in the footsteps of the Olympic team. We certainly had a few curve balls thrown at us along the way, but checked in to the village in high spirits and full of anticipation for the start of the regatta.
I knew things were going to be tough in the 2.4mR, being such a competitive fleet and everyone ramping up their training in the months before. Unfortunately my training had not gone quite according to plan due to some issues with the boat, but I went out for the first race with the confidence, if I sailed well I would be in the medals.

It was a tough week, with such close racing that one mistake could cost you 5 places not the normal one or two. It was also evident that some of the other countries initially not considered to be in the medal zone had really raised their Game and were very much in the mix.

All week I stayed within contention of the medals and still had a good chance going into the last day. Unfortunately it did not go my way. However I am really pleased for Paul Tingley from Canda who won Gold putting in a fantastic performance on the water and John Ruff from the USA who won the Bronze. Both sailors rose to the occasion and probably sailed the best regattas of their lives. Damien Seguin from France just clinched the silver in the last race.

It has taken a few days for the disappointment to really sink in as we have been so busy, but I must admit it’s hard now that I am in Beijing reunited with the rest of the British Paralympic team who have had a great Games and know that I did not manage to contribute to it. But I have learnt some valuable lessons from my experience in China which I will certainly take with me to 2012 where hopefully I will be standing on the podium in front of my home crowd!

Other images included with this entry..