Aussie laser sailor Tom Burton guaranteed Rio medal and could be in line for shot at gold

TOM Burton has won an Olympic medal - it just depends what colour. Currently sitting with the silver, the Sydney laser sailor goes for gold on Monday (EST).

Tom Burton has enjoyed a great Rio regatta.

SYDNEY laser sailor Tom Burton has won an Olympic medal - it just depends what colour.

In his Olympic debut, the 25-year-old has secured a guaranteed podium finish with a stirring performance on the tricky waters of Marina da Gloria in Rio.

Best pictures of the week in Rio

VIEW GALLERY

Best pictures of the week in Rio

VIEW GALLERY

Currently sitting in the silver medal position in the fleet overall, Burton will go for gold when he returns for the medal race on Monday (EST).

“It hasn’t really sunk in,’’ Burton said.

“When I look at the points it will sink in a bit better.

“Obviously it’s nice to have a medal locked in.

Tom Burton has enjoyed a great Rio regatta.

Asked if he would play it safe, to collect silver instead of bronze, or would he go for the jugular, Burton said: “Conchie (Team Performance director Peter Conde) will obviously have plans to lock gold away.

“I think it will be a good race.’’

Burton will use his rest day to re-charge his body on Sunday (EST) in Rio before hitting the water for the biggest moment of his career.

“I’m going to see the physiotherapist, I tweaked my back after the first race so I was a bit sore during that last race, so I think I’ll have a quiet one and try and get it under control,’’ Burton said.

Several other Australian’s including cousins Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin in the Nacra 17s, women’s laser radial Ashley Stoddart and men’s 49er’s Iain Jensen and Nathan Outteridge remain in medal contention with several crucial race days remaining in their respective categories.

Originally published as Aussie laser sailor Tom Burton guaranteed Rio medal and could be in line for shot at gold