Rogers calls time on pursuit of Olympic gold at London 2012

DOUBLE Olympic silver medallist Nick Rogers has decided call time on his quest for gold at London 2012 following a frustrating season.

CALLING IT A DAY: Nick Rogers and Pom Green call time on their quest for Olympic gold at London 2012 (Richard Langdon/Skandia Team GBR)

Rogers teamed up with Pom Green in the 470 class after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he earned his second silver medal alongside Joe Glanfield.

Rogers and Green, who won the Youth World Championships together in 1995, have called time on their 2012 qualifying campaign and will not compete at the 470 World Championships, starting in The Hague.

"We've both worked incredibly hard this year. However, juggling responsibilities that we didn't have in our 20s has made it harder to dedicate the time required," said Rogers.

"Our goal was gold but it's just too much of a tall order in the time we have."

Green, meanwhile, admitted it was the end of an era.

"It's been a great experience and a pleasure to sail with Nick and to work with the Skandia Team GBR staff whose expertise and commitment is a huge reason why the team is so successful," he said.

"It's the end of an era for Nick and disappointing for me too but we both feel that to be successful in other areas of our lives something had to give."

Rogers will turn his attentions to coaching while Green will return to his yacht construction business.

"We're best friends and it's been fantastic sailing with Pom again," Rogers added.  "He's brought a lot of experience and insight to the campaign."

RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park said:  "It's disappointing to be losing Nick and Pom from the programme - especially as Nick's experience and lively personality have been a big part of Skandia Team GBR for such a long time now.

"But Olympic classes sailing is a punishing game, and I understand and respect the decision that they have come to after what's been a frustrating season for them.

"Although we'd much rather have Nick involved in the squad, there is some pleasure in having someone who's grown and developed through the RYA's talent pathway - from junior level right through to the Olympic podium - now looking to make his way in the professional world of big boat sailing."