49er

Ben Rhodes

Ben Rhodes

Date of birth:
10 May 1981
Star sign:
Taurus
Place of birth:
Southampton, UK
Current Hometown:
Exmouth
Nickname:
Rodent
Race class:


49er

Ben and Stevie Morrison have been mates for 20 years, having grown up competing against one and other in Cadets in Exmouth.

With a medal of each colour from the three World Championships preceding their Olympic debut at Beijing 2008, the pair went to China as one of the favourites and were bitterly disappointed to finish ninth. Bronze at 2011 Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta earned them selection for the 2011 Olympic Test Event, narrowly missing out on a medal in the last race. The pair were forced to withdraw from the 2011 Worlds in Perth after Ben suffered a rib strain midway through the regatta.

Their experience, plus a strong track record of podium finishes on the Olympic waters of Weymouth and Portland, earned them the confidence of the RYA selectors in April 2012.

 

 

Ben's Olympic Medals

Olympic Year & Venue Class Medal
N/A N/A N/A

 

Ben Rhodes - 49er

 

Ben Rhodes - 49er

 

Ben's Q&A Session

First boat sailed and where? Cadet in Exmouth
Who got you into sailing? My Dad
Favourite boat? My 20ft Hunter Medina!
Biggest influence in your career to date? My family
My worst moment (sailing)? Beijing Olympics result
My best moment (sailing)? Winning Worlds in Cascais 2007
Best sailing venue in the UK?  Exmouth
Best sailing venue in the World? Still looking
Most annoying rule in the sailing rule book? Z Flag rule
If you weren't a professional sailor what else would you be?  Unemployed!! Ha!
How do you progress from a club sailor to an Olympic class sailor? Commitment and belief
What are your greatest passions outside of sailing? Climbing, guitar playing, my girlfriend and my dog
Has injury ever prevented you from sailing? Nothing long-term
Most expensive sailing accident? Nothing worse than a snapped mast (Touch wood!)
Football club you support? Doesn't interest me! 
Do you actively go and see them? Guess you know the answer to that one!
Do you follow any other sports? I enjoy watching the Tour de France.
Any heroes? Bjorn Dunkerbeck
What other sports do you play?  Climbing, cycling, windsurfing
What would you love to do but never have the time or money for it? Travel with my girlfriend round Nepal / Tibet.
Worst habit? Loads, probably chewing my nails.
What word or phrase most depicts your personality? Lovable rogue
If you were a pantomime character who would it be? Back of a horse!
Do you have any lucky charms or rituals? Salute magpies, never wear the event T-shirt during the event
Whats your greatest fear or phobia? Claustrophobia
If you had a theme song what would it be?  Voodoo Chile
Favourite reality show? And would you go on it? None
Name 3 things that are always in your shopping trolley? Cookies, fajitas, bread
What was the last book you read? Dead Reckoning Sam Llewellyn
What makes you angry? Poor workmanship
Dream holiday? Patagonia
What better about football than sailing?  The money!
Where do you keep your Olympic medals? In my dreams for the moment.

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