While most athletes who reach the pinnacle of their sport are known for their commitment, Kyle Langford, the Oracle Team USA wing trimmer, has taken that philosophy to a new level.

Langford says that for as long as he can remember he wanted to be a professional sailor. So much so that he had no back-up plan.

“I started sailing when I was about four years old,” he said. “I’ve got an older brother and an older sister and my parents were both into sailing, so I just jumped into it.

“I’ve always wanted to be a sailor. When I was 15 I did my first big international competition which was the Youth World Championships and from there I really got the bug for it and wanted to compete. I’ve been very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to get to where I am now.”

This is Langford’s second America’s Cup after he was pressed into service as a late substitute in the 2013 America’s Cup, which Oracle Team USA won, 9-8.

“As a wing trimmer, I’m kind of in charge of the boat speed. If we’re too slow, it’s on me to make a change to the set up so that we can hit our target speed.”

When he’s not sailing with Oracle Team USA, Langford is, sailing,

“I love all types of sailing. I do a lot of Moth sailing, it’s perfect to do in Bermuda. But I really don’t mind any type of sailing. I love it all.”