© Robert Wilson/Skandia Geam GBR
Factfile
Name	Paul Goodison
Nation	GBR
Date of Birth	29 November 1977
Place of Birth	Sheffield, UK
Website	www.paulgoodison.com

Paul Goodison took a break after winning the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games but since his return to the Laser he has been unbeatable. In April 2009 the ISAF Sailing World Cup rolled into Hyères for the fourth event, Semaine Olympique Française and Goodison staked an early claim, taking the lead on day two and consolidating to win the gold medal. Onto to Medemblik for the Delta Lloyd Regatta and then to Kieler Woche, Goodison was unstoppable, topping the podium at each of them, claiming the overall trophy in Kiel for wining every race and returning to the #1 position on the ISAF World Rankings.

Goodison then turned his attention to the Laser European Championship in Sweden and true to form was on top of the podium again, with his fifth consecutive European title. The final event to count for Goodison was the Laser Worlds in Halifax, Canada and despite the tricky conditions courtesy of Hurricane Bill and an early setback when his toe strap snapped in the opening race, he kept his cool. When the championship reached its final, decisive races in the gold fleet, Goodison blazed into the lead and his consistent results throughout the championship gave him a long awaited Laser World Championship gold medal.

Laser

1 - Semaine Olympique Française, Hyères, FRA - ISAF Grade 1 - Apr 2009
1 - Delta Lloyd Regatta, Medemblik, NED - ISAF Grade 1 - May 2009
1 - Kieler Woche, Kiel, GER - ISAF Grade 1 - June 2009
1 - Laser European Championship, Landskrona, SWE - ISAF Grade C1 - Aug 2009
1 - Laser World Championship, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CAN - ISAF Grade W - Aug 2009

What inspired you to take up sailing?

My parents were keen sailors before I was born and I was brought up around boats. I loved being able to get out on the water especially by myself.

What was the first boat you ever sailed and how old were you?

A National 12 when I was 3 or 4 years.

Name your first sailing club

Ulley Sailing Club

What was the first event you competed in and in what year?

Ulley National 12 Open Meeting 1985

What are you personal sailing career highlights?

Olympic Gold - Beijing

What are your future sailing goals?

London Olympic Games and America's Cup sailing

Who has had the greatest impact on your sailing and career and why?

My parents have been so inspirational and supportive they have kept me going, especially after finishing fourth in Athens.

Who is your sailing hero?

Russell Coutts

What other sports do you enjoy?

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, mountain biking and sometimes I enjoy golf!