Now working alongside two-time Olympic medallist Joe Glanfield,, external the pair continued their run of impressive silvers, finishing second to Spaniards Tara Pacheco and Berta Betanzos at the World Championships in Perth, Australia, in December.
They were not satisfied with the progress though and, with their boat retuned and their minds refocused, they truly announced their presence amongst the 470 fleet elite by claiming a high-pressure world title in Barcelona in May.
“It was a huge confidence boost because it proved to ourselves and our competitors that we can win events,” said Mills.
“Saskia and I both have very different approaches to sailing and different ideas, and managing those is what has really come together over the last six months.”
Clark added: “We came together three months before the Olympic trials and, egos aside, we just had to make it happen.
“The real jump forward we made was because we took time to dissect our communication in 2011 and then started putting it back together, which is now really starting to work, and that’s key in the 470.”
The British pair now face a different type of challenge – after a year of being viewed as underdogs they find themselves favourites for an Olympic gold.
“It’s all about how you as a team use that world championship title and for us, whilst it was amazing, we know the job is the Olympics,” said Mills.
“Our competition will be pushing hard, but we are still a new team and know where we need to improve.
“I think that’s a good motivation and that it can also help ease expectation and pressure on us.”
Clark added: “I think if we get too bogged down in what the nation expects then that could all backfire on us!”
Can Mills and Clark claim an Olympic gold in Portland and Weymouth? Get involved in the debate by adding#olympicthursday, externalto your tweets.
