Profile

Paul is currently World number two Laser sailor, European and British Champion. The Laser is one of the two single handed dinghies which are sailed at the Olympics by men, the second being the Finn dinghy which double gold medallist Ben Ainslie now sails. Ben was an inspiration to Paul whilst he was growing up but soon the pair became friends and rivals.

In 2000 Paul went to the Sydney Olympics as Ben training partner and caught medal fever determined to represent his country in future Olympics. He achieved this aim in 2004, but narrowly missed out on bronze medal in Athens finishing in fourth place.

In 2006 Paul won four gold medals and a silver. He won both the pre-Olympic test events in Qingdao, and subsequently was selected to represent Great Britain in the Laser class at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Paul, 28 was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire and was taught to sail by his father at a young age. He enjoys windsurfing, kiteboarding and plays golf in his spare time.