Rhu's Luke Patience has targeted a medal at the Rio Olympics for his old partner Elliot Willis, who was diagnosed with cancer in November.

Patience was Willis' partner till that time, and had to form a new partnership with Chris Grube, and re-qualify for the Olympics.

The British pair are confident they will perform on the big stage in the Men's 470 class.

Patience speaking to the Royal Yacht Association (RYA), said: “I'm doing it for several reasons, and one of them Elliot, so whatever happens, and certainly if there is any success in August like I said he is wholeheartedly part of that. He is completely a part of it because it never would have happened with him.

“I mean it's not fair, its tragic isn't it. It's a young fit guy, and it just the world is cruel sometimes isn't it, I still don't even know what I think of it now.

“More than anything else I hope he recovers, more than anything else. And in the same breath I hope that what I got to do at Rio with Chris, Elliot is a part of that, he is a part of that and he is finishing things that Elliot and I started together.”

The duo will compete in the preliminary races on 10-15 August, and will hope to qualify for the final on Wednesday, August 17.

Speaking to RYA, Grube said: “I think we will medal. If things go really well I think we could be up and challenging for the top step on the podium.

“I cant wait, it's a big deal, we don't want to go and just get the t-shirt.

“Elliot is a friend of everyone on the team and I feel like all I can do is my best to carry on his legacy in the boat.”

And Patience, who won a silver medal at London 2012, said that the last few months have been manic, and he won't stop to think about everything till it's all over.

Patience added: “Chris and I are trying to fast track this and we have [been] together seven months, and some of our competitors have been seven years, 15 years.

“I don't know if I know yet how manic it is, I think when this all stops in September, end of August there and I breathe out I think I'll realise how full on this period has been.

“To arrive on the start line in race one, look around I expect to be able to say I know I've worked harder than everyone that I'm on the start-line with.”