Scheidt vows to re-adapt for Rio Olympics

WEYMOUTH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Robert Scheidt (L) and Bruno Prada (R) of Brazil celebrate finishing third

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 21 – Veteran Brazilian sailor Robert Scheidt says he intends to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics Games despite the exclusion of the Star class from the event programme.

Scheidt will be 43 in 2016 but is adamant that age will not hinder his chances in the Laser class, a category in which he has won 10 world titles and three Olympic medals.

“I am going to need a few months to adapt and will have to take greater care of myself physically,” Scheidt was quoted by Xinhua as saying Monday.

“Laser is an event that requires a great deal of preparation. But I wouldn’t enter the competition if I didn’t think I could win.”

Scheidt, who claimed the Star class bronze medal alongside Bruno Prada in London, said he would continue to lobby for the event’s inclusion at the Rio Games.