Olympic profile: Andrew Simpson

Early ambitions – “I started racing Optimists when I was seven and the Lasers at 13, but I was always keen on football and wanted to play for Tottenham Hotspur. Having studied economics though I thought I’d be heading for a job in the City – I still fancy it”

Best/worst quality – “My best quality is being level-headed in tricky situations. My worst is not having much motivation for the gym, which I don’t like and am rubbish at”

How do you relax? – “Messing around with the family”

What picks you up when you’re down? – “Watching the film Rocky”

Non sailing ambition – “To spend more time at home with family and friends. To work in the City”

What’s your plan ‘B’? – “I’m planning to develop a number of business plans that are currently secret” 

Pet hate – Ryanair 

Sporting hero – Ian Botham

Class sailed
Star

Olympic campaign costs
£200,000 for four-year campaign

Number of sails per season – 15/year

Typical training day
“Typically I’ll spend two hours a day in the gym with a variety of routines from duration training to weights”

Coach – David Howlett/Nick Harrison 

Training partner – John Gimson/Steve Milne

First class sailed – Optimist

First major success – 2002 Finn Rolex Miami Olympic Classes regatta – 1st

Olympic track record
Gold 2008 Star, Qingdao, China

Favourite sailing venue – Airlie Beach, Australia

Favourite regatta – Laser Worlds 1999 Melbourne

Favourite boat – Finn

Current car – Citroen C-Crosser Exclusive 2.2HDi

Main competition for Olympic selection (also applies to Percy) None

Main competition at Olympics
Brazil – Scheidt/Prada and Grael/ Ferreira
Sweden – Loof/Salminen
Switzerland – Marazzi/De Maria
Poland – Kusznierewicz/Zycki

Personal favourites
Film – Star Wars
Band – Stereophonics
Book – The Intelligent Investor, Benjamin Graham
Non sailing item – Knife and fork, iPhone
iPhone app – Skype, Sky Sports (for football)

iPod most played
Dakota – Sterophonics
Me and You – Nero
Undertow – Warpaint