Liam hopes to follow in wake of Beijing star Paul Goodison

Sep 24 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

WEST KIRBY teenager Liam Gardner is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Olympic star Paul Goodison after sharing the limelight with Britain’s Beijing medallists at the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta in Weymouth.

The 16-year-old Mostyn House School pupil finished an encouraging 41st in the Radial Laser – the feeder boat to Goodison’s Laser class – at the 2012 Olympic sailing venue.

Goodison, who held off Swede Rasmus Mygren to top the podium in Beijing, joined more than 300 international sailors for the first Olympic class regatta since the Games.

And Gardner, who finished 10th in the silver fleet at the RYA Youth Championships at Pwllheli Sailing Club in March, is determined to match Goodison’s success in the future.

He said: “The conditions were really tough because the wind was very light and it was changing lots.

“But I’ve really enjoyed the week and it was great to sail with so many top international sailors and to see the GB guys around.

“Watching Paul Goodison at the Beijing Olympics was really inspiring and I would love to be able to compete at the Games in the future.

“I’m hoping to step up into the Laser class and then if I do well there, then I can work my way up the GB squads.

“There are lots of really good sailors both nationally and internationally, but Paul has shown each of us that it’s possible to do it and I’m aiming to get there too.”

Gardner, who sails at West Kirby Sailing Club, served notice of his talents in 2004 by winning the Zone Championships.

And Goodison, who is unbeaten in Chinese waters, winning both of the Olympic test events before capturing the showpiece gold in August, is predicting a bright future for Gardner.

He said: “We’ve got a really good strong group of young guys in the Laser squad at the moment and the older guys pushed me really hard for the Beijing spot. Below that there are a lot of good prospects like Liam and in a few years time, I’m sure he’ll be up there with the best in the country because the guys who are just a bit older than him are there now.

“The guys like Liam will be knocking on the door for the 2016 Olympics and beyond and maybe even before that at the National Championships and then the World Championships and the European Championships.”