Vital Statistics
Name: Bryony Shaw
Date of birth: 28 April 1983
Star sign: Taurus
Place of birth: Wandsworth, London
Weymouth links: Moved to Weymouth in 2001 with her parents, who still live in Buxton Road area
Current hometown: Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Nickname: Britney, Brownie
Where did you first try windsurfing? In south France
Who encouraged you to try windsurfing? My family
Favourite windsurfer? Wave equipment (neilpryde/jp)
Biggest influence in your career? Dom Tidey, my coach
Worst moment in your sailing career? Losing the 2004 Olympic trials, which meant I didn't get to represent Great Britain in Athens.
Best moment in your sailing career? Winning the bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics
Best sailing venue in the UK? Weymouth
Best sailing venue in the World? Pacific Islands
Most annoying rule in the book? no rule 42 for windsurfers!!
What would you be doing if you weren't a professional sailor? Architect
How do you progress from a club sailor to an Olympic class sailor? Hard work and lifestyle choice
What are your greatest passions outside sailing? Interior design, surfing, shopping
Have you ever had any costly accidents whilst sailing? I took a huge wave in the medal race in palma 2008 and split my sail, so I lost my place on the podium.
Who are your heroes? Kelly Slater’s dominance in surfing impresses me!
What other sports do you enjoy? Wave sailing and snowboarding
What would you love to do but never have the time or money for? I would love to buy a Lambourgini and live in California drinking coke!
What word best depicts your personality? Perfectionist
If you were a pantomime character what would you be? Cinderella – occasionally a princess but mostly a house cleaner!
Any superstitions? At the Olympics I had my Blue Peter badge
What's your greatest fear or phobia? I am not good with snakes
Theme song? Lady Gaga – Poker Face
What reality show would you like to appear on? I would love to go on Strictly Come Dancing
Three things that are always in your shopping trolley? Coke, soya milk, bananas
What was the last book your read? Harry Potter
Worst habit? Losing things (which happens a lot!)
What's your dream holiday? Surfing on a Pacific Island with a lot of friends
What's better about football than sailing? Group showers after the game!!
Where do you keep your Olympic medal? In my sock drawer
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article