100 Team GB contenders for London 2012: Saskia Clark

Sailing (470 class)

Born: 23/08/79

Career highlights

Clark and sailing partner Hannah Mills made history in May 2012 by becoming the first British pairing to win the world title in the women's 470 class. They had previously won silver at the 2011 World Championships after only eight months of competitive sailing together.

Clark was twice a World Championship medallist in partnership with Christina Bassadone, but she awaits her first Olympic medal.

Other career

After giving up on selection for the 2004 Olympics, Clark drifted into working in corporate events and says it was "the kick up the backside I needed because I knew I wanted to get to the Olympics".

She came sixth in Beijing and then experimented with a succession of partners before settling on double gold medallist Sarah Ayton. However, Ayton retired suddenly 18 months prior to the 2012 Olympics in order to concentrate on motherhood.

Career background

Born in Colchester, Clark took up sailing as it was a family hobby and she says it was the first thing she beat her sister at.