Helena Lucas wants her historic first British Paralympic sailing medal to be the first of many. The 2.4mR class sailor won gold on the Weymouth waters at London 2012 – Britain’s first ever sailing medal at the Paralympic Games. She was followed by Niki Birrell and Alexandra Rickham winning bronze in the SKUD 18 class.

Since sailing was introduced to the Paralympics, including the London Games, there have been 23 British Olympic medals in the sport. Now Lucas is hoping to see a similar level of dominance for the Paralympics team. “We have been inspired by the Olympic guys and the medals that they have won since Atlanta when sailing really started to find it’s form,” said the 37-year-old, who placed seventh in Beijing.

“I don’t really understand why it has taken so long in Paralympics sailing because we have had exactly the same support. The Olympic guys have pushed us all the way and they are quite often jumping in other boats and training against us. We have always performed at World Championships and got medals there, we just couldn’t quite bring it together at the Paralympics. I think we have now found that formula and we know what to do. In Rio let’s hope for three medals in three classes – that would be awesome.”