The Olympic sailing star from South Yorkshire has received sport psychology support over the last four years from experts at Sheffield Hallam University. They have helped him develop the mental toughness and resilience he needed to take gold in Qingdao.

Professor Ian Maynard, Director of The Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Consultant Sport Psychologist to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), worked with the master helmsman on mental preparation, and helped him develop the winning attitude he needed to win a gold medal in China.

Professor Maynard said: "Paul bounced back brilliantly from his fourth place in Athens and has developed great mental toughness and resilience over the course of this Olympic cycle. Working closely with Paul's coach, Chris Gowers, we have focused very intensely on the skills, techniques and mental qualities that were specifically required for the tricky conditions in Qingdao."

Paul Goodison, 30, has one of the best Laser sailing records in the world having finished in the top 10 in 84 per cent of all the Olympic Classes events he has entered over the past decade. Four years ago, Paul narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at the Athens Olympic Games. Two weeks ago he took the gold medal in the Laser sailing class.

According to Professor Maynard, Paul is seriously considering competing again in 2012. He said: "Looking ahead to the London Olympics, I think it's very likely that Paul will be looking to win another medal. Home water is a great advantage in sailing and the likelihood of winning gold again in your own backyard will be a great motivation."

Paul started sailing aged four with his father in a National 12. Since turning professional in 1996 he has put together an impressive string of results. Paul's first major success came in the 2000 Laser European Championships where he won silver. He finished in gold medal position for the third year in a row at the 2007 European Championships in Hyeres, won gold at both the 2006 and 2007 Olympic Test Events in Qingdao, China and has now completed a fantastic treble.

Professor Maynard has worked with the Royal Yachting Association for over 20 years, initially while at the University of Chichester, and for the last 10 years based at Sheffield Hallam University.



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