FORECAST strong wind could give windsurfer Nick Dempsey a vital, final push into the medals today.

The 24-year-old who lives in Weymouth is poised just outside the top three heading into the last three races of the mistral class Olympic regatta.

With his favoured stronger wins due to arrive and replace four days of light sea breezes, he said he prepared for a last effort to make the medal podium.

After rising to fourth place after a crucial race win on Saturday, his first of the 11-race series, Nick said: "It's all or nothing now. But I am feeling confident I can get a result out here.

"The wind forecast is is good news for me - it is really hard when it is light winds all the time."

The world number three was shunted down the field in the next outing on Saturday, when five sailors ahead of him got called back for jumping the line.

An emergency avoidance procedure as a result forced Nick down to 23rd, and he spent the rest of the race battling back to tenth.

He said: "I had to tack and get first to the right hand side. I went round the weather mark in 23rd, so am happy I made it up to tenth.

"I am happy with the way I am sailing, and I am going to give everything in the next three races."

Windsurfers literally have to beat their way around the course in light winds, flapping their sails like wings.

Greek favourite Nikos Kaklamanakis, who is aiming for his second Olympic gold after winning in Atlanta 96, lies in third place.

He said: "The battle is not over so I'll stay focused and aim to try hard in the last three races."

Results after eight races (including one discard):

1 Gal Fridman ISR (8),3,5,5,1,7,5,1 27pts

2 Ricardo Santos BRA 4,6,2,1,5,(17),7,2 27pts

3 Nikos Kaklamanakis GRE 1,4,4,(14),6,13,2,3 33pts

4 Nick Dempsey GBR 2,11,(15),10,2,9,1,10 45pts