2012 London Summer Olympics

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After sailing his way to history, Ben Ainslie of Great Britain announced that the London Olympic will be his last.

Ainslie became the most decorated Olympic sailor in history after topping the Finn event for a third straight time Sunday, overtaking Paul Elvstrom of Denmark for the distinction.

"It's times like this you are supposed to come out with something clever but I can't think of anything," said Ainslie, who won an Olympic gold and silver medal in the Laser class before moving to Finn. "I am speechless. I am just so glad for everyone who has supported me over the last four years. It has been an amazing Olympics.

"You can never say never but I don't think I can sail one of these again; it's killing my body so I don't think you will see me in Rio for the 2016 Olympics. But it's the best way to bow out, at a home Olympics."

With a total of five Olympic medals -- four golds and a silver - Ainslie has eclipsed Elvstrom, who won gold in four successive Olympics from 1948 to 1960.

"I learned to sail for fun so it's been a long road but I have had a lot of support over the years and I am just so glad to have done it," Ainslie added.

Ainslie narrowly beat long-time regatta leader Jonas Hogh-Christensen of Denmark for the gold while Jonathan Lobert of France won the medal race to grab bronze from the Netherlands' Pieter-Jan Postma.

Ainslie had trailed Hogh-Christensen all week and had not beaten the Dane until the seventh race of the regatta.

He narrowed the gap to just two points on the final day and went into the medal race needing to finish ahead of Hogh-Christensen, which he did by coming in ninth.

"After six races I was in a bit of trouble. Thankfully I turned things around and got it right when it counted," Ainslie said.

 

 

Ben Ainslie Tops Finn Event, Becomes Most Decorated Sailor in History