AIS and Australian Tornado sailors Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby have taken silver in the Olympic sailing regatta at Qingdao.

The pair crossed the line of today’s medal race in fifth position, just behind leaders Spain.

The result handed them the silver medal, while Spain took gold and Argentina claimed bronze.

The result takes the Australian Sailing Team’s results for this Olympic Games to two gold and one silver. 

It is the second Olympic silver medal for Bundock, who won his first medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games with John Forbes, and the first medal for Ashby.

Today’s medal race was possibly the last appearance of the Tornado Class at the Olympic Games, as it is not included in the sailing program for London 2012.

Both sailors have paid credit to the support received from the Australian Institute of Sport.

‘The AIS has been great in helping both Glenn and I achieve this Olympic silver medal.’ Bundock said.

‘The support from our coaches, doctors and sports scientists has really been first class.

‘We’re indebted to the AIS and in particular the sailing program for their invaluable support,’ Ashby said.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker congratulated both sailor’s persistence and determination.

'This result is an outstanding success both Darren, Glenn, their coach Mike Fletcher and for the AIS sailing program,' Professor Fricker said.

'Their silver medal is a real testament to both athletes personal commitment to their sport and the training program here at the AIS.’

The Australian Institute of Sport was established in 1981, and has consistently contributed to Australia’s outstanding sporting performance on the world stage.

The Australian Olympic team in Beijing consists of 433 athletes. Of these, there are 262 current or former AIS athletes. 

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), on behalf of the Australian Government, invests in and supports our Olympians and Paralympians in many ways.

In addition to the $18.1 million the ASC provided to the AIS in 2007-08, the ASC also funded the athletes’ sports to the tune of $53.4 million in 2007-08.

Furthermore, the ASC provided direct funding totalling $4.3 million to more than 400 athletes in 2007-08 — vital support for athletes in their preparation for sporting success. This represents a total Australian government investment of $75.8 million in 2007-08 for our Olympians and Paralympians. The ASC is committed to providing all Australians with the best opportunity possible to participate in sport.