VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Niki Birrell
Date of birth: 16 August 1986
Star sign: Leo
Place of birth: Manchester
Current hometown: Manchester
Nickname: n/a
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 World’s 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 else 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? Arton 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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