SKUD

Niki Birrell

Niki Birrell

Date of birth:
16 August 1986
Star sign:
Leo
Place of birth:
Manchester, UK
Current Hometown:
Manchester
Race class:


Skud

Alexandra and Niki have dominated the SKUD class since 2008, winning every Worlds since then.

Manchester-born Niki, who was born with cerebral palsy, previously campaigned the 470 Olympic class with his brother before moving into the Paralympic 2.4 metre one person class for a while.

But in late 2007 he was introduced to Rickham and less than 12 months after pairing up the pair had competed at their first Paralympics. Although they finished fifth at that event they have proved almost unbeatable in the class ever since.

Niki Birrell - Crew - Skud Paralympic Class

 

Niki's Q&A Session

First boat sailed and where?  N12 Budworth, Cheshire
Who got you into sailing?  My dad 
Favourite boat?  Mirror 
Biggest influence in your career to date?   My brother and dad 
Worst moment in your sailing career?  The Beijing Games 2008 where we didn’t make the podium 
Best moment in your sailing career?  Winning the IFDS Worlds in 2009 in Athens
Best sailing venue in the UK?  Winsford Flash 
Best sailing venue in the World?  Winsford Flash 
Most annoying rule in the sailing rule book?  Having to leave space between boats at the mark is annoying as it often sees people get ahead 
If you weren’t a professional sailor what else would you be?  I would love to own my own business 
How do you progress from a club sailor to an Olympic class sailor?  Enjoy the sport and work hard 
What are your greatest passions outside of sailing?  Spending time with my family and friends, and supporting Manchester City 
Most expensive sailing accident?  £1500 worth of damage when I was younger sailing a mirror with my brother. It was ridiculously windy and we decided to go out despite no one lse venturing out, then proceeded to capsized the boat and get blown onto the rocks. To make things worse we then snapped the mast when we were getting towed in. A lot of damage for 8 seconds of sailing!
Football club you support?  Manchester City 
Do you actively go and see them?  I try to yes 
Do you follow any other sports?  I love most sports on TV 
What other sports do you play?  Most sports........ very badly! 
What would you love to do but never have the time or money for it?  Go motor racing 
Worst habit?  Biting my nails  
What word or phrase most depicts your personality?  Competitive
What’s your greatest fear or phobia?  Heights 
Favourite reality show?  X Factor  
Name 3 things that are always in your shopping trolley?  Grapes, strawberries, chicken 
What was the last book you read?  Ayton Senna 
What makes you angry?  Not doing things as well as I possibly can 
Dream holiday?  Skiing holidays are great 
Where do you keep your medals?  They are in my room or the gold ones are anyway!!

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