Stevie Morrison, Eastbourne

How did you get started?

Stevie Morrison, son of British yacht designer Phil, was born in Eastbourne in 1978 and grew up sailing the Sussex coast around Pevensey Bay. Aged 11 he started sailing cadets in Eastborne and quickly progressed to join the British 49er squad. Stevie met his 49er partner Ben Rhodes over 20 years ago in his current hometown of Exmouth, having competed against him at cadet level. The duo have a string of world and European titles in the 49er class – one of the fastest and most demanding sailing dinghy categories around. The pair went to Beijing in 2008 as favourites and finished a disappointing ninth and only last year were forced to withdraw from the Perth 2011 World championship after Ben suffered rib strain. Olympic selectors have given them a second chance in a very competitive selection process.

Greatest achievements

2008 World Championship (49er) silver

2007 World Championship (49er) gold

2006 European Championship (49er) gold

2001 World Championship (fireball) gold

Prospects for 2012

Morrison and Rhodes have the skill, experience and capability to get amongst the medals, and with home advantage this could be their year. Men's 49er qualifiers over 15 races, 30 July – 6 August, with final on 7 August. Weymouth and Portland

http://www.london2012.com/sailing/

Twitter: @Exmouth49er