Ben Ainslie – World's Most Successful Olympic Sailor?

Olympic Champions Series – No. 10. In the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics (July 27 – Aug 12) we examine some of the sporting greats who have made the Olympics so special for many. Born in Great Britain on February 5th 1977, Ben Ainslie grew up with a father who captained a boat that was part of the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973. Inspired by his father, Ainslie began sailing from the age of 8 and two years later, he started competing.

Ainslie has become an incredible English sailor, having achieved what others could only dream of. Currently he holds 10 World and 9 European Championships and he has won the International Sailing Federation Top Award more times than anyone else. In addition to that he was also named ISAF World Sailor of the Year three times: in 1998, 2002 and 2008.

His glory and triumphs don't end there however, as Ainslie proved himself even more victorious. Starting with a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics, he then went on to win gold at not only the 2000 Olympics, but also the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

With three Olympic gold medals in his pocket, Ainslie is now determined to compete and win again in these 2012 Olympic Games, a position that was almost lost to him when he was disqualified from the 2011 World Championships for gross misconduct. However not only would he have missed out at a chance for winning a fourth Olympic gold medal, he would have missed the chance to make Olympic history.

In these 2012 London Olympics, Ainslie will go for his fifth straight medal and fourth back-to-back gold medal. Finishing in first place at these London Olympic Games will make Ainslie the most successful Olympic sailor ever.

Ainslie was the first person to carry the Olympic torch in the UK this year; the beginning of what might be something incredibly magnificent!