For Aussie laser sailor, Tom Burton, his form leading into the Olympics has been notable.

Burton took bronze at the World Championships in 2015, came third at the 2015 Rio test event and won two World Cups in 2015 including the final in Abu Dhabi.

The Sydneysider is looking forward to experiencing his first Olympics.

“The atmosphere here is a little different - everyone is really on their game," Burton said.

"It’s nice to be here and finally get racing in all the Olympic gear and on the Olympic venue.”

Burton is not the first “Tom” to represent Australia in sailing at the Olympic Games.

In fact in seems Tom is actually a very successful name for an Australian Olympic sailor.

Preceeding Tom Burton, Tom Slingby had gold medal winning success at the London 2012 Games in the same class, the laser class.

Before Slingsby came Tom King, who represented Australia in the 470 men’s event at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. King also won gold in the double-handed class with Victorian Mark Turnbull.

Turn the clock back another 28 years, and twins Tom and John Anderson both represented Australia at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games in sailing. Both won gold – John in the star class and Tom in the dragons.

However, for Burton the mission will be tough. He comes up against Brazilian favourite and five time Olympic medallist, Robert Scheidt and Britain’s Nick Thompson, amongst others in a strong fleet of 46.

Racing in the laser class begins at 1pm on Monday August 8 (2am Tuesday August 9 AEST).

Also racing on Monday will be Australia’s Ashley Stoddart in the women's laser radial class.

Megan McKay

olympics.com.au