WILMSLOW teenager Callum Stewart admitted the London 2012 Olympics may be a bridge too far – but has vowed not to let that stop him planning for 2016 instead.

The 17-year-old windsurfer underlined his growing potential last month at the IWA Youth World Championships on home soil in Weymouth finishing 14th in a field of nearly 50.

Last week, Stewart was back on the choppy Dorset waters – the London 2012 sailing venue – competing at the week-long Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta.

The Wilmslow High School pupil shared the waters with Olympic champion Paul Goodison and admitted his latest stint has made him even more determined to realise his Olympic dream.

"It was great to be back at the regatta after competing at the Worlds but this is my first senior event of the year – I was pretty scared to start with but once I got out on the water I was fine," he said.

"I think 2012 is a bit too soon for me but I’m looking towards 2016 and I have got plenty of years ahead of me to hopefully achieve that.

"My aim was not to come last so I’m pretty happy about my performance. It’s amazing just to be on the water with the likes of Paul and Richard Hamilton. It’s a shame Nick Dempsey couldn’t be here this week because he is Britain’s best windsurfer."

Stewart finished 16th at the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta 12 months ago but struggled with inclement weather, coming home 34th this time around.

The Wilmslow windsurfer spent the weeks before the regatta training with the Skandia Great Britain Youth squad in Turkey and admitted he couldn’t be better placed to fulfill his growing potential.

"I’ve had a busy summer training with the GBR Youth team and I only recently got back from Turkey – and I am pleased with how things have gone," added Stewart.

"It has been great to sail with some great Britons and watch them off the start, as well as watching how they mentally prepare as well as physically.

"And even though Nick didn’t compete he signed up for the event, so technically I have beaten the World Champion."