Q&A with Surrey athletes. Sarah Webb OBE

Sarah Webb is one of the most successful and renowned names in Sailing. With Olympic Gold medal success from Athens and Beijing, Sarah is now looking to achieve a third Olympic Gold medal in London.

Along with team-mates Shirley Robertson and fellow Surrey sailor Sarah Ayton, the trio are commonly known as “the three blondes in a boat”, a nickname made by the British media.

Already a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Sarah was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours.

Q&A with Sarah Webb

What do the Olympics/Paralympics mean to you?

The Olympics is one event where all sporting success is equal.  If you win a gold medal you are truly the best in your sport at that one time. I dreamed of winning an Olympic Medal when I was growing up, to have that dream and then to done that is very special. The Olympics allows me to share my journey and experiences, which hopefully can change someone else’s life.

Do you have a favorite memory from any previous Olympic/Paralympic Games?

In Athens, We had won our medal before the series of races had finished, so on the last day of racing we didn’t sail. It was the final of the men’s 4 rowing, so I decided that I would go and watch that. On leaving the sailing accommodation and driving past the marina, where all our competitors were getting ready to go on the water I felt really odd, as if I would get a phone call asking where on earth I was as we needed to sail. Turning up at the rowing there were so many British supporters and even though we hadn’t had our medal ceremony yet everyone knew I had won, the atmosphere was electric and then watching the men’s 4 also win gold was really special!

How important do you think it is for Surrey residents and businesses to get into the spirit of London 2012?

Having the Games on home soil will not only be incredible for the athletes who are competing but also for everyone who takes an active interest in it. The atmosphere will be incredibly exciting and if you get tickets to watch any of the sports, volunteer or get involved in any way, you will be part of a very special event. Having the Games at home is also so much about inspiring the next generation, if everyone talks positively and takes an active interest, they will be shaping the children who can then choose to live a healthier and active life.

Will you be doing anything in Surrey during the build up to the Games?

Yet to be decided, but visiting schools and inspiring children to reach there potential is very important to me.

Athlete Profile

To view more information on Sarah Webb and her achievements, visit her athlete profile page. This page also features links on how you can keep up to date with her progress in the build up to the 2012 Games.