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Olympic medal-winning kayaker Tim Brabants has revealed he plans to return to work as a medical doctor.

Tim Brabants was one of the major Team GB successes at the Beijing Olympics. The 31-year-old won a gold in the 1000 metre single kayak and bronze in the 500m event.

Since then he's been getting used to showing off his medal.

"We've had to wear them quite a lot because we've been to several functions and everyone wants a photograph," said Tim.

"It's been brilliant and non-stop. It's great sharing them with the rest of the nation."

Talent will always out

Eight years ago in Sydney, Brabants became the first British kayaker to stand on the Olympic podium when he won bronze in the 1000m event.

After finishing fifth in Athens he took 18 months off to pursue his medical career in Jersey.

He plans to do the same thing again before turning his attentions to London 2012 and a home Olympics.

"It's back to the real world for a bit. Back to work and finding a medical job and regaining my skills because I've had a couple of years out.

"It's a case of going back into medicine for 18 months, keep training and then hopefully compete in the London Olympics in 2012."

A tough challenge

Repeating the Beijing success in four years won't be easy. Brabants, who trains at Holme Pierrepont near Nottingham, is well aware of the quality of the athletes who'll be wanting to take his crown.

"It's such a different sport at the top end. The quality of competition is so good. I've been in the top five but you really have to be on top form to win."