IAIN PERCY insists this week’s Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta will be the perfect chance to further prove to his London 2012 rivals that he and partner Andrew Simpson are in the shape of their lives.

The Hampshire star’s Olympic credentials were cast into doubt at the back end of 2011 when the 36-year-old was forced to pull out of the World Championships in Perth with a back injury, writes Charlie Talbot-Smith.

However, Saints fan Percy proved he was back to his best at the Star World Championships last month when he and Simpson claimed silver in France.

This week’s Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta throws up another chance to get one over on his rivals. However, the Weymouth event holds some painful memories from last year – Percy and co. ending well down the field in fifth.

But Southampton-born Percy only has eyes for the positives as he warms up for one of the last chances to spar with his Olympic rivals ahead of the Games kicking off on July 27.

“We are in a much better place this year than last year so it will be a good chance to see where we are against our rivals,” said Skandia Team GBR sailor Percy.

“I’ve worked hard on my back, I'm back to 100% now, if anything I feel like I am as fit as I have ever been because we have worked hard in the gym to get that side of things right.

“But we have been working hard on all areas to be quite honest, the whole emphasis of our lives recently has been long days, on the water, in the gym, trying to make those small incremental gains and we’re in a good place now."

Full story in today's Daily Echo