Volvo

Profile

A four times Olympic medallist, with three gold and one silver medals, and nine times World Champion, Ben Ainslie is Britain's most successful Olympic sailor.

Ben is also three times ISAF World Sailor of the Year, the only sailor ever to win this honour 3 times and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) awarded in 2008. In 2009, Ben had his autobiography published, entitled 'Close to the Wind'.

After winning his third gold medal in Beijing, Ben became skipper of the British America’s Cup challenge, TEAM ORIGIN, before switching back to the Finn in November 2010. In September 2011 Ben was selected to compete for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics in the Finn Class and has set his sights on his fifth Olympic, and fourth consecutive gold medal.

Olympic Results
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)

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

Other

ISAF Youth World Champion (1995)

Laser Radial World Champion (1993)

Ben Ainslie CBE 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
Greatest strengths in sailing:  My greatest strength is that I never give up
Biggest goal:  Win a fifth Olympic medal and win the America's Cup
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
Who is the biggest influence in your life? : My parents, Roddy and Susan, who have given me endless time and support over the years