ALISON Young endured a difficult start to the year but is determined to build on her impressive comeback at the Olympic test event with another strong performance at the World Champ-ionships.

Having finished in fifth place at London 2012 in the Laser Radial class, the Portland-based 27-year-old is looking in good shape for a podium finish at the Rio de Janeiro Games two years from now.

Last month she won silver at the test event in Guanabara Bay, a feat made all the more impressive given that was her first competition of 2014, having been sidelined for 10 months through illness.

“It was just quite a slow, progressive build-up, building up the time in the boat with the help of the sport staff on the team to get me back in a position to get racing,” Young said.

“I kind of didn’t go there with a lot of expectations, just using it as a learning opportunity to find out about the venue. I enjoyed the regatta and I managed to finish a goodish result.

“There are plenty of areas to improve on and plenty of learning to do over the next couple of years at the venue and improvements to make in sailing.

“It was more of a stepping stone but nice to do well out there.”

Young calls Rio a “fantastic place to sail”, despite the well-documented filthy water, and continues her bid for Olympic success in Santander.

The World Champion-ships, which gets underway today, offers the sailor the chance to kick on and carry on her impressive return.

Young said: “Obviously it was a difficult start to the year, but I am looking forward to the worlds.

“I’ve been out there a couple of times, had a look at the venue and think it should be quite an interesting venue to sail in. It should be a good regatta.

“It is always about going out there to enjoy it and learn as much as possible.

“Obviously I will try to prepare as best as I can for the regatta, so as long as I keep focused on the task at hand then hopefully I should be able to turn out a good result. I will give it my best.”