On Board for Gold

World champion Auckland windsurfer Tom Ashley, 24, sailed past his rivals, to claim first place in the men’s competition and a gold medal, the third won by the New Zealand Olympic contingent in Beijing. “It’s the most incredible thing. I’ve worked for this for so many years,” said Ashley. “It was pretty much a case of managing it, not trying to let too many guys past and staying between my opposition.” On the podium, wearing the gold he said: “I’ve been kind of on the verge of tears for the last 24 hours. I managed to hold it all in but the relief killed a little bit of all that.” In 2006, Ashley was presented with an award of merit from Yachting New Zealand that recognises sailing ability, seamanship and sportsmanship.