English competitive sailor Sir Ben Ainslie is one of the most successful sailors in Olympic history. He has gained this title through being one of only three athletes to win medals in sailing at five different Olympic Games. His talent and dedication in relation to sailing is commendable and has gained him the attention of both the general public and sporting officials alike. Ben’s love for sailing began at a young age, learning to sail in Cornwall at Restronguet Creek at the young age of eight. His first competition in the sport came at age 10, with his first international competition at age 12.
This competition was the 1989 Optimist World Championships in Japan, where he placed 73rd. After a couple more years of training and gaining more experience in sailing, Ben went on to compete in his first Olympic Games. He competed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, gaining himself a silver medal for his efforts. Later in 2000, Ben competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, sailing in the Laser class winning a gold medal for himself.
At the 2004 Athens Olympic Games Ben progressed to the larger Finn class. In this Olympics, he won another gold medal for his expanding medal collection. Ben continued to excel in sailing, going on to win another two gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2012 London Olympic Games. Given his success at the Olympics, Ben has become quite the celebrity, having both his Laser and Finn boats displayed in the Maritime Museum in Cornwall.
Ben was selected to be the first person to carry the Olympic Torch in the UK for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Ben also had a part in the closing ceremony of the Olympics, carrying the Great British flag for the team.
As well as Olympic victories, Ben also has a number of World Championship victories behind him too. He came in first positions at 1993 Laser Radial World Championships, 1995 IYRU Youth Sailing World Championships, 1998 Laser World Championships, 1999 Laser World Championships, 2002 Finn World Championships, 2003 ISAF Sailing World Championships, 2004 Finn World Championships, 2005 Finn World Championships, 2008 Finn World Championships, 2010 ISAF Open Match Racing World Championships and the 2012 Finn World Championships.
How to hire Sir Ben Ainslie
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Sir Ben Ainslie for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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- 2018 - Named as an ambassador for the Ocean Conservation Trust
- 2016 - Won the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series
- 2014 - Named as a Patron of the 1851 Trust
- 2013 - Named as a Trustee for the Andrew Simpson Foundation
- 2013 - Won the America's Cup with Oracle Team USA
- 2013 - Awarded a Knighthood
- 2012 - Carried the Union Jack at the Closing Ceremony of the London Olympics
- 2012 - Started the Olympic Torch Relay
- Named Rolex Sailor of the Year on four occasions
- Winner of four consecutive Gold Medals at the Olympics
- Medaled at five consecutive Olympic games
- Winner of Six Finn Gold Cups, five of which he won at consecutive competitions
- Nominated for Sports Personality of the Year on three occasions
