TEENAGE sailor Andy Brooks could be going for gold at the next Olympics!

After winning the Volvo RYA Youth National Championships in the Laser Radial class, the St Gabriel's RC pupil is on course to reach the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

"I'm really excited to have won the Laser Radial Fleet at this event," said Andy. "Twice Olympic medallist Ben Ainslie won this event and I hope that this will be the launch pad for a career in sailing."

The 16-year-old was competing against 82 other keen sailors in Largs, Scotland. His achievement is the latest in a string of awards he has notched up since being introduced to the sport.

"My father, Eddie was a keen sailor. He used to crew for Lawrie Smith, from Bury, who competed in the last Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. I have been a member of Elton Sailing Club for as long as I can remember." Andy, from Holcombe Brook, started sailing seriously at the age of seven and entering competitions at the age of ten. He is now a member of the National Youth Squad.

He spends his weekends sailing while the weekdays are devoted to keeping fit at Bury Castle Leisure Centre, where he has free use of the facilities.

"I have to concentrate on my GCSEs now, but after that I will be taking part in a number of events in Belgium and Germany.

"But the next real step for me is to try to qualify for the Olympic Development Squad, which is quite tough to get on," explained Andy.

He added: "I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me, especially my parents, as well as Sports Aid Northwest, Bury Leisure Centre and the Trafford Centre."