Emma Wilson’s first thought when she guaranteed an Olympic medal was - thank goodness I’ve not finished fourth.
The precocious Nottingham windsurfer finished fourth at April’s World Championships, fourth at last year’s European Championships and fourth at the 2019 Tokyo test event.
Wilson has taken the Enoshima Olympic regatta by the scruff of its neck, however, and secured a dream podium place with the RS:X medal race still to come.
“It hasn't sunk in yet,” said the 22-year-old, ranked fourth in the world.
“Barrie (Edgington, coach) told me on the water and it's just an amazing feeling. I watched the Olympics since I was a little kid and it's always been a dream.
“Finally I haven't come fourth, as well, which is so good, because I'm sick of it!
“I'm super happy, but there's one more race which I can give everything for and see what can happen.”
Wilson has long been tipped as one to watch in a dominant British sailing team that see a staggering seven crews in medal positions at the midpoint of the regatta.
With high winds and Typhoon Nepartak no less hitting Tokyo, conditions have favoured Team GB and Wilson in particular.
She has saved her breakout performance for when it really matters and victory in the 11th race and fifth in the final race on the fourth day of racing made sure of a medal.
"I had really good speed the last few days, that was really good,” said Wilson, whose medal-securing exploits were broadcast live on Eurosport and Discovery+.
"Today was just about keeping my cool when it was pretty tight. Today was harder than the other days because I had to think more about the other crews.
“I'm really proud of how I approached the whole event and just really happy.”
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