WINDSURFING star Nick Dempsey says the decision of his wife and double Olympic sailor Sarah Ayton to retire has allowed him to concentrate on going for gold at London 2012.

Ayton retired from her campaign in the women’s 470 class in February order to spend more time with their 18-month-old son Thomas which allowed windsurfer Dempsey to fully commit to his campaign without having to worry about his family.

Dempsey, of Wyke Regis, Weymouth is competing at this week’s Skandia Sail for Gold event in Weymouth and he told Team 2012 that thanks to his wife, he can fully focus on Olympic glory.

“For me it’s great that Sarah stopped sailing and for her it’s great as well,” said Dempsey.

“It’s allowed her to be a mother and it has allowed me to commit to my campaign 100 per cent.

“Sail for Gold is more of a stepping stone but having said that it’s still a big competition and so I’ll be looking to perform.

“The Olympic test event is my priority because there is only one event worth winning in my eyes and that is the Olympic Games.

“Everything else is a dry run or build-up.”