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