The three-strong team of John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas have tasted success after success after joining forces in the three-person Paralympic keelboat. Having finished sixth in their first Paralympic outing at Athens 2004, Robertson became the first skipper in the history of disabled Sonar sailing to helm his crew to back-to-back IFDS World Championship titles in 2005 and 2006. However by their own admission they suffered an under-par Worlds last year – taking seventh in Rochester, USA and they will be desperate to force their way back on to the podium in Beijing. Thomas also represented Great Britain at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Turin as part of the Ice Sledge Hockey team that finished seventh.
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Name: |
Hannah Stodel |
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Class: |
Sonar |
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Position: |
Crew |
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DOB: |
27 August 1985 |
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Born: |
Colchester, Essex |
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Currently Living: |
West Mersea, Essex |
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Started Sailing: |
Aged three in Brightlingsea in a Mirror |
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Duration in current class: |
Since 2003 |
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Name of Sailing Partner: |
Stephen Thomas and John Robertson |
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Coach: |
Mark Rushall |
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Education: |
Studying Sport & Exercise Science at Loughborough University |
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Greatest Strengths in Sailing: |
Coping under pressure |
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Greatest Weakness in Sailing: |
Stamina |
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Biggest Goal: |
To win a Paralympic gold medal |
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Other interests away from sailing: |
Sport |
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Personal sponsors: |
Oyster, Little Britain Challenge Cup |
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Sailing Career to date: |
2004 Athens Paralympics 6th
2007 IFDS Worlds 6th
2006 IFDS Worlds Gold
2005 IFDS Worlds Gold
2003 IFDS Worlds Bronze
2008 IFDS Qingdao International Regatta Gold
2008 Hyeres Regatta Gold
2008 Paralympic Midwinters 4th
2008 Rolex Miami OCR 4th
2007 Rolex Miami OCR Bronze
2005 Rolex Miami OCR Gold |
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Meet the sailor… |
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Who is Hannah Stodel? |
Despite being born without a right forearm, Hannah has been able to adapt different techniques to overcome her disability. Having joined the RYA Mirror National Junior Squad in 1995, Hannah went on to become the first British woman to compete in a sailing competition at a Paralympic Games in the Sonar at Athens 2004 as well as winning back-to-back World Championships in 2005 & 2006.
Hannah has one aim for Beijing – “Having a bash at a medal or three!” – and says probably the Germans or the Greeks will pose the biggest threat to the Brits She thinks the toughest part of the sport is the constant thought that goes into everything and the fact it’s a never ending process to stay on top. She admits she always finds herself thinking of the next move and finds it hard to turn off from the sailing world.
Inspired by Dame Ellen Macarthur’s sheer determination and can-do attitude, Hannah was named Yachting Journalists Association Young Sailor of the Year 1999. She says among her most embarrassing sailing experiences include having to wee on the boat with two guys as well as once stepping off the back and missing land! |