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RYG: How important is preparation?

ST: I think there is always more work to be done in the preparation of any team or individual. You can never prepare enough - especially in a multi-dimensional sport like sailing.

RYG: You must get on pretty well with Hannah Stodel and John Robertson? How do you work as a team?

ST:We have been together since 2003 and a boat is a very lonely place when you don't get on with those you sail with.

We are three very different characters, from three very different backgrounds. Hannah is the organiser! She's the manager in the team. John is the joker and keeps everyone's spirits up, and I guess I'm the motivator. We come together to form a pretty formidable outfit.

John's role is the helmsman - he steers the boat and is the second lead in tactics. I'm the mainsheet guy, making sure communication flows to and from one another, and Hannah is lead tactician and bowman. She basically decides the race plan and how we implement that race plan. Along the way, we feed her vital information to help her make those decisions.

RYG: What do you think is your biggest achievement to date?

ST: I guess my biggest achievement to date is actually winning my first World Championship medal in 2003 after only sailing for nine months. That enabled me to follow my dream and become selected for Athens 2004.

RYG: Would you ever consider another sport?

ST: I am a former sledge hockey player but I retired from the sport after the 2006 Winter Games. I'd never say never about making a return to the ice though as I think it's a great sport. However, being allocated a place on UK Sport's podium programme means I am now a full-time sailor. I'm spending three weeks of every month away from home and am unable to commit any time to it. However, I still haven't ruled out becoming the only athlete to compete at four consecutive Summer and Winter Paralympic Games!

Other sports do take my interest. I like the idea of running the London Marathon at some point.

RYG: Who have been your big supporters?

ST: As an athlete who competes for your country, you have to make a lot of sacrifices in your life. Those around you have to make a lot of sacrifices too. I have so much gratitude for those who have helped me get where I am - especially my girlfriend Mari-Wyn and my close family. Without them, living my dream would not have been possible.