HAMPSHIRE’S Olympic hopefuls now have just one year to wait for the London 2012 extravaganza to explode into action.

In 365 days’ time, the Games of the XXX Olympiad will be officially opened, in what promises to be the biggest sporting event ever to grace Britain.

From the moment London was selected five years ago by the International Olympic Committee as host city, the level of anticipation has been enormous.

That will only increase as the clock ticks down to July 27, 2012.

Of course, the burgeoning excitement means that Team GB is under huge pressure to deliver an impressive medal haul.

And Hampshire’ s top athletes will be hoping to lead the way when the Games kick-off.

Britain’s best prospects of securing gold, as it seems is always the case these days, lie on the water and the cycling track.

The nation’s sailors and cyclists will carry an enormous weight of expectancy on their shoulders next summer.

And this county has some of the biggest prospects in both sports.

Triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie is once again likely to headline the sailing squad.

The Lymington ace is going for his third consecutive win in the Finn class, having claimed victory in the event at Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004.

Also in the hunt will be one of Paul Goodison, the former Solent University student and gold medallist at Beijing, and Lymington-born Nick Thompson, who are competing for the only spot available in the Laser class.

Southampton’s Iain Percy is also a firm favourite to claim a medal, especially with two previous golds to his name.

He looks set to represent Great Britain once again in the Star class, alongside Andrew Simpson.

For full story and a lowdown on Hampshire's London 2012 medal prospects, don't miss today's Daily Echo.