Aussie Slingsby lays down marker

Australia’s Tom Slingsby fired a warning to his rivals ahead of the London Olympics as the Australian won the Laser class event and medal race in Weymouth yesterday.

Reigning world champion Slingsby, 27, is a strong contender for a gold medal in the Laser event at the Olympics after winning the world title five times.

But Britain’s Paul Goodison took gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing, with Slingsby finishing a disappointing 23rd, and he promises to be the Australian’s main rival when the Olympics begin in seven weeks.

With the Games in mind, Slingsby was determined to deliver an early psychological blow at the venue which will stage the Olympic yachting competition.

He did just that and dominated the event, while Team GB’s Goodison could only finish fourth.

Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Alison Young won a surprise gold medal at the Sail for Gold Regatta.

The 25-year-old was a late pick for Team GB’s squad but proved her worth by winning the Laser Radial class.

Young’s second-place finish in the medal race was enough to secure gold and puts her in good stead for the Olympics.

“It is pretty cool to win,” she said.

“It was a good medal race out there and I am pretty happy to come away with the win.

“It is a good confidence boost going forward to the Games and I will be looking to build on a few things between now and then.”