VITAL STATISTICS
Name: Stephen Thomas
Date of birth: 05 January 1977
Star sign: Capricorn
Place of birth: Bridgend
Current hometown: Weymouth
Nickname: Steveo
First boat you sailed and where? The Sonar on the Tyne
What got you interested in Sailing? Wanting to represent GB at the Paralympics
Favourite boat? SB3
Biggest influence in your career to date? My teammates, Hannah and John and my coach Mark Rushall
Your worst moment in sailing? Not Medalling in Beijing 2008
Your best moment in sailing? Winning our first World Championships in 2005
Best sailing venue in the UK? Weymouth
Best sailing venue in the World? Swan River, Perth, Australia
Most annoying rule in the sailing rule book? Pumping Rule
If you weren’t a professional sailor what else would you be? A professional rugby player
How do you progress from a club sailor to an Olympic class sailor? Initially high volumes of training to develop your core skills, followed by good coaching and most important you have to enjoy it!
What are your greatest passions outside of sailing? Fitness/training and also my family
Has injury ever prevented you from sailing? Yes, in the last 2 years I have had neck surgery and leg surgery
Most expensive sailing accident? I managed to pierce a cruising boat with a 2.4m whilst trying to moor onto a pontoon
Do you follow any other sports? I enjoy watching all kinds of sport
Any heroes? My Mum and Dad also Steve Redgrave and Lance Armstrong
What other sports do you play? I hit the gym a regularly and mix it up with weights, cycling and circuits
What would you love to do but never have the time or money for it? Learn to fly
Worst habit? Untidiness
What word or phrase most depicts your personality? Stubborn
If you were a pantomime character – who would it be? The Dame
What’s your greatest fear or phobia? Not performing to my best
If you had a theme song – what would it be? One Shot (Lose Yourself) by Eminem
What better about football than sailing?
Nothing really, football seems pretty one dimensional. Sailing has so many variables to it and is much more challenging.
Where do you keep your medals? On a bookshelf in my bedroom
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