Alongside Fynn Sterritt, James will be going for gold in sailing in the Men’s Skiff. They are competing in the 49er class – named after the boats’ 4.9-metre hull, with competitions taking place in the Marseille Marina.
Speaking from Paris this week, James, 31, was feeling optimistic ahead of the Games. “We’re excited to get going and show what we can do,” he said. “We’ve come a long way as a team over our 10 years sailing together, and the changeable wind and sea conditions in Marseille should suit our style!”
James journey to the Olympics has been two decades in the making. As a young sailor James ruled the waves, picking up a slew of national and international medals and even earning himself a nomination for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.
After an “amazing” three years at the University of Bristol, James teamed up with Fynn to win two World Cup golds in 2018 and 2019, but were pipped at Team GB selection for Tokyo 2020 by Stuart Bithell and Dylan Fletcher, who went on to win gold in Japan.
After picking themselves up from the disappointment, James and Fynn undertook another gruelling cycle of training and hard work which culminated in being selected for Team GB for Paris 2024.
“People have been through all kinds of battles and journeys to get to selection, there’s so much talent but only one representative from each class. Sometimes it’s harder to get selected than it is to medal at the Olympics,” James said.
“I don’t think I’ll do another campaign, so I just want to give this everything. I don’t want to leave a stone unturned and I’ll be blocking out all distractions. We’re going for gold in Paris.”
James studied for a Physics degree at the University of Bristol between 2011 and 2014.
Matt Paine, University of Bristol Performance Sport Manager, said: “When I first met James as a Performance scholar in 2011, he always came across as someone who was dedicated to both his academics and his sport.
“A man who was deeply driven by success and doing it with a smile on his face. His journey and relationship has been challenging over the last 10 years, and I have no doubt that he will be feeling all the emotions as he heads for Paris to compete with his partner Fynn. I have a little feeling this pair are going to write one of Team GB's many success stories this Summer.
“I would like to wish all our Olympians all the best for this most unique and special of sporting events, you have made us proud already!”
University of Bristol Law graduate Jaz Sawyer was meant to compete in the Long Jump but unfortunately has been ruled out with injury.
The University will also have at least two Paralympians competing in Paris this summer, with more expected to be announced soon, and the University will be celebrating their achievements in due course.