Team GB’s Elliot Hanson dedicated his Laser European Championship victory to teammates Michael Beckett and Lorenzo Chiavarini after all three filled the podium in a historic result for Britain
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It is the first time all three podium places at a major Laser class championship have been taken by British athletes. It is also the third time in four years that a British sailor has taken the European title. Rio 2016 sailor Nick Thompson won in 2017, while Lorenzo Chiavarini took the top spot last year.
Nick Thompson has recently joined forces with veteran British Sailing Team coach Chris Gowers, and both were in Poland to enjoy the victory.
Elliot Hanson (pictured), who will represent the country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, snuck past long-term leader and childhood friend Michael Beckett in the penultimate race of the six-day regatta in Gdansk, Poland, to claim his first European title.
Michael had to settle for silver, his second in three years, while Lorenzo signalled his return from a back injury by claiming the bronze medal.
Elliot said: “To lock out the podium with two guys I have been best mates with since we were 11-years-old is something really special, and something I will hold on to for a long time.”
In the Radial fleet, Hannah Snellgrove was the top Brit in 18th place on her return to action after a year out following knee surgery. Ali Young – who will join Elliot Hanson in Tokyo – opted only to sail the opening two days of the regatta as a campaign decision.
