Olympic profile: Lucy Macgregor

Early ambitions – “I always fancied being a pilot in the RAF and went for the aptitude tests, but I’m too short”

How it all started – “This was around the same time I got my first big result in a 420, which made me think seriously about my future in sailing. I hadn’t grown up through the youth squad dreaming of being an Olympic sailor, but this result made me think”

Career path – “I started sailing 470s at events like Palma and Hyères before taking a gap year in 2005. I had a place at university to do Sports Science, but wanted to see whether I could go any further with the sailing. Six years later and I’m still on my gap year!”

Best/worst quality – “I don’t like to lose”

Hobbies and interests? – “Hockey. I play for a Bournemouth team”

How do you relax? – “Playing hockey, meeting friends and family”

What picks you up when you’re down? – “Exercise usually helps me to work things out – that and a good hockey match”

What’s your plan ‘B’? – “I’m so busy with dealing with ‘now’ that I don’t really have one at the moment. Three years ago it would have been to go into the Forces”

Pet hate – Bad tea
Sporting hero -I don’t really have one
Position on boat – Helm
First class sailed – Optimist
Early successes – 2nd 420 Worlds 2004; 1st RYA Womens’ National Match Racing Championships 2004, 07, 09
Favourite sailing venue – Poole Harbour, San Francisco
Favourite boat – 470
Current car – Volvo XC70
Dream car – A Golf, but with all the gear

Personal favourites
Films – Pride and Predjudice
Band – “Oh dear, I’ll struggle here”
Book – Harry Potter
Non-sailing item – My bed
iphone app – I don’t have an iPhone, but Internet Explorer is my favourite program
iPod top 3 most played
The Kooks, Hard-Fi. “Umm… I’m not really big on music!”