BEIJING bronze medallist Bryony Shaw was disappointed to finish seventh in the RS:X women’s windsurfing at London 2012 a year ago today.

Her build-up to the Olympics had been affected by illness and Shaw wasn’t able to repeat her medal-winning performance of four years earlier.

The Weymouth ace has hit back in 2013 with silver at the World Championships and here she reflects on what might have been 12 months ago.

“In the build-up to the Olympics I had a huge setback in my preparations. For six months I couldn’t shake a bug that came from polluted water in Spain, where I’d based my winter training.

“Staying positive and with the support of my coach Dom Tidey we got through it, giving me the best chance of performing in my hometown.

“I could see all the smiling faces of the team around me and it reminded me how I felt before Beijing.

“It was quite an odd feeling, like I was just a bit detached from it all. I was a strong part of the team yet it was a struggle to enjoy the experience.

“Once it was over, although it was disappointing not to get a medal, the whole atmosphere and buzz around the Games really boosted me again.

“So many of my friends were just so proud I’d taken part in a summer that meant so much to the whole country – I needed that.

“My coach and I have been a great duo since before Beijing, but I think our experience at London 2012 has made us even stronger.”