Saxton and Groves bid to end on Rio Olympics high

by RYA on 16 Aug 2016 Ben Saxton and Nicola Groves head into the Nacra 17 medal race refusing to rule out the chance of finishing their first ever Olympics on the podium tomorrow (Tuesday 16 August).

Heading into the race, the Brits sit in eighth place overall, with 19 points separating them and Thomas Zajac and Tanja Frank (AUT), currently in bronze medal position.

But with that final race worth double points for every place, there is still an outside chance they could wrestle that final podium spot into their possession, if Saxton and Groves win the race and the Austrians are given a disqualification penalty with everything else falling perfectly into place behind them.

Nevertheless Saxton admits the pair’s first Games have been a massive learning experience that has left him wanting more.

He said: “It has been great to be part of the team with the whole support network, I have had an awesome time. As for Tokyo 2020, I will try to be there with bells on!”

Anyone can try sailing for free at Saxton’s home club of Grafham Water SC as part of the RYA’s Sail for Gold Roadshows from 10am tomorrow.

All comers are then invited to watch the Medal Race and cheer the pair on with all his clubmates and members of the British Sailing Team from 6pm.