Sailors compete in the laser medal race of the Beijing Olympic Games sailing event in Olympic co-host city Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 19, 2008. Paul Goodison of Great Britain claimed the title in this event. [Song Zhenping/Xinhua]

 

Paul Goodison claimed Laser gold at the Olympic Sailing Regatta here on Tuesday, winning the third gold for Britain in the regatta.

Taking an 18-point lead into the double-points race, Paul Goodison used the tactic to block his nearest rival Sweden to maintain his lead in the medal race. He forced Sweden to the last of the 10-boat fleet through all the marks while Goodison himself keeping the 9th position till the end.

Goodison's actions also cost the Sweden a medal even though he went into the race in 2nd place overall.

With a total of 63 points, Goodison added to Britain's already impressive collection of Yngling and Finn gold medals and 470 Men's silver. He also proved his talent was unquestionable to win his first Olympic gold despite the 4th position in Athens 2004.

"It was quite tricky and pretty stressful. I waited to make sure that I got the gold at the end of the day and there was only one way to guarantee it. Sweden knew it was coming too, but I just had to do what I got to do," said the 30-year-old Goodison.

Vasilij Zbogar from Slovenia, Athens bronze medallist, took the silver medal, finishing 2nd in the medal race with 71 points overall. Medal race winner Andrew Murdoch of New Zealand blocked Zbogar at every mark to try get rid of the Slovenian in the light shifty airs, knowing it would cost him the bronze medal, but like the Sweden, the New Zealander missed out.

"It was really shifty, so it was hard to choose which course to take," said Zbogar. "I was able to sail my own race, as Britain was keeping an eye on Sweden. I think I had an advantage because I have already won bronze at Athens, so I didn't feel pressure and make mistakes."

The bronze medal went to Diego Romero from Italy with 75 points total and 3rd finish in the medal race.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2008)