Britain rules the waves ...AND JASON KENNY’S OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL OLYMPIAN
IT was plain sailing yesterday after a spectacular day on the water brought two gold medals ashore for Team GB.
Solo sensation Giles Scott told his father John he was “relieved” not to have given him a heart attack after he retained his title in dramatic fashion.
On a day of seabound success the first gold came in one of the most dramatic finishes of all time as Dylan Fletcher and Stuart Bithell seized the men’s 49er skiff title by a matter of inches.
The duo had to beat Germany in the fourth and final race and it came to a breathtaking climax before the British boat crossed fractionally ahead.
Then Giles made it 13 of the most precious metals for Britain with an equally nail-biting finish. It made it six successive golds in the class, following in the sails of Iain Percy and three-time winner Sir Ben Ainslie.
Giles’ parents John, above, and Ros watched the drama unfold at the National SailingAcademy in hometownWeymouth, Dorset, and had a video call afterwards.
John, 69, said: “Giles said: ‘I’m relieved to see I didn’t give you a heart attack’.
“It’s the most stressful race I’ve ever watched. I’m proud for him as much I’m proud of him. He’s shown his mettle and why he was defending champion.”
There were equally jubilant scenes at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, as Stuart’s parentsVivian and Leslie waved flags and screamed in delight as their son crossed the finishing line with Dylan.
The pair were rivals before deciding to team up in a bid to qualify for Tokyo.
Dylan, 33, said: “I dreamt this would happen last week.The last race wasn’t quite that close in my dream.”
John Gimson and Anna Burnet took silver in the mixed Nacra 17 Class and Team GB are well set for gold in the women’s 470 today with Hannah Mills and Eilidh McIntyre.