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Ben Ainslie: Britain's most successful sailor on why he hasn't settled down


July 26, 2012
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He is Britain's most successful Olympic sailor ever, with three Olympic golds and one silver already to his name, and 35-year-old Ben Ainslie is determined to add more to his clutch. "The desire to win is still the same as ever," he says. "If it wasn't there, that would be a worry. Motivation's never really been a problem for me."

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Ben was able to get into the Olympic spirit earlier than most, having been chosen to start the Olympic torch relay across Britain in May. "It was an amazing moment. I was very proud to help kickstart the run-up to the Olympics," he says, adding that he took his time with his part of the relay in Land's End. "I did not really want to rush it. I wanted to give everyone the chance to touch the torch."

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The ten-time Finn class world champion started sailing at the age of ten, encouraged by his mum Sue and dad Roddy Ainslie, who captained a boat in the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973.He's pleased to have the Olympics at home - the sailing takes place at Weymouth - but  says there are disadvantages, too: "It's going to be harder to get into my own mental bubble, which is crucial when I'm competing."

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His dedication to his sport means Ben hasn't followed his friends in settling down and stating a family yet. "I'm sure some of my friends wish they could go off sailing all the time," he says. "But sometimes, on a Sunday evening, I wish I had what they have. Hopefully, one day I will settle down and have a family, but right now sailing is my commitment. "In fact, Ben already has his sights set on the next Olympics: "I enjoy sailing and training, so I don't rule out going on to the 2016 Rio Olympics."Men's Finn class sailing starts on 29 July

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