Great Britain’s most experienced Paralympic sailors will once again represent ParalympicsGB at Rio 2016, the British Paralympic Association (BPA) announced today.

The trio of Stephen Thomas (Bridgend) with teammates John Robertson and Hannah Stodel go into the Games as reigning World Champions in the Sonar Class after striking gold at the 2015 World Championships. They made their Paralympic debut together at Athens 2004, making Rio 2016 their fourth consecutive Games as a trio.

Stephen Thomas said:

“Representing your country at the Paralympics means the world to us and we’ll be working incredibly hard over the next few months to make everyone at home proud. Our sport is incredibly competitive and it’s not going to be easy, but going into the competition as reigning World Champions definitely gives us confidence.”

Sailing Team Leader and RYA Olympic and Paralympic Manager Stephen Park OBE said:

“We’re delighted to be able to finalise our Paralympic team selections today and to be taking six talented and experienced athletes with us to Rio, all of whom have proven themselves in major competition over a number of years."

Selected athletes (sailing):

SKUD

Alexandra Rickham        Home town: Epsom

Niki Birrell                            Home town: Bournemouth

Sonar

Hannah Stodel                  Home town: Colchester

John Robertson                Home town: Sunderland

Stephen Thomas              Home town: Bridgend

2.4mR

Helena Lucas MBE        Home town: Southampton




 

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