Paralympic sailing champion Helena Lucas has admitted that it is a "huge privilege" to be the first athlete named by ParalympicsGB for Rio 2016.
Lucas, who competes in the one-person 2.4mR keelboat event, became the first British sailor to win a Paralympic medal when she won gold in London in 2012, and the Southampton-based athlete has revealed that it is a "massive relief" to be able to defend her title in Brazil.
The 40-year-old said: "I think relieved is probably the best word. It's been great having Meg Pascoe there and pushing me all the way in the trials, and it's a massive relief to know that I'm going to Rio and have the opportunity to defend my gold medal.
"It's amazing that I'm the first athlete to be selected. I think the last time round I was probably one of the last to get nominated, so it's from one extreme to the other! It's a huge privilege, but also it means that we can really focus on preparing for Rio and the specifics of the venue.
"London was an amazing experience, to compete at a home Games and win gold at a home Games. But no sailor has yet managed to defend their Paralympic title. It would be amazing to be the first sailor to be able to do that, so that's the drive and the goal for Rio."
Qualification for the remaining five sailing places will continue over the coming months.
Darren Plant
