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The 16 year old from St. Thomas will be in Korea this summer to compete in the Single-handed dinghy boys event in the Laser Standard. From 14-23 July he will be amongst the 200 or so sailors on Suyong Bay in Busan aiming for the title of Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Champion 2005.

THOMPSON has been sailing since the age of four and was taught by his parents and the US Virgin Island's most famous sailor, Olympic silver medallist in the Finn, Peter HOLMBERG (ISV).

THOMPSON looks like he has put the expert advice into good practice. Last year he thrashed the Laser Radial fleet at the US Youth Championship, finishing 34 points clear of second place and taking eight bullets in the eleven races. In Busan, THOMPSON will be aiming to find that sort of form again although this time he will be in the Laser Standard, equipment that THOMPSON has been preparing for in his local gym, as well as out on the water.

Speaking of his excitement about competing THOMPSON said: 'It would be an opportunity to race against the best in the world in my age group and to learn a lot from them how to better myself. It also means representing my country and I'm proud to say that I come from the US Virgin Islands. Without the Athlete Participation Programme it would be difficult for me to attend the event.'

THOMPSON is not the only APP sailor who will be in Korea. ISAF has offered funding to 21 sailors from eleven nations and as a result the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship will host sailors from the Bahamas and El Salvador for the very first time.

The aim of the APP is to assist sailors from developing sailing nations compete in the ISAF Sailing Games and the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, especially those from nations yet to take part in the Championships. Find out more about some of the APP sailors who will be competing in 2005 here.