Olympic champion Paul Goodison's defence of his Laser world title (From Daily Echo)

Olympic champion Paul Goodison's defence of his Laser world title

10:48am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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REIGNING world and Olympic champion Paul Goodison has admitted that he is looking for “payback” as he begins his defence of his Laser world title.

Former Solent University student Goodison will be aiming for a second consecutive worlds victory at Hayling Island in Hampshire this week.

For the Laser star, 2009 was an exceptional year in which he remained unbeaten in five consecutive events, including a first world title win and a fifth straight European Championship.

But after missing out on the top prize at the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta in Weymouth and Portland earlier this month to Australia’s Tom Slingsby, Goodison is as determined as ever to retain his world champion status.

He said: “Sail for Gold was the big one for me this year but having not achieved my goal of winning that regatta, the worlds is definitely an opportunity for payback time.

“I want to get my own back.

“I was disappointed and frustrated with my result at Sail for Gold.

“It came down to a couple of decisions and there was one day in particular when I didn’t start as well as I could have done and been as positive as I could have been but I was pleased with how I came back from that.”

Skandia Team GBR’s 2009 World Championship bronze medallist Nick Thompson, from Lymington, will also be aiming for an upgraded podium spot on home waters this year.