Team GB’s Ellie Aldridge became the first-ever Olympic gold medallist in kitesurfing with a brilliant performance in Marseille. #EllieAldridgeGold
The discipline, which sees competitors fly above the water at up to 40 knots powered by huge kites, is making its Games debut.
And 27-year-old Aldridge, from Dorset, powered her way to gold by winning two races in the final series on Thursday.
The success salvages what had been a disappointing regatta for Britain in a traditionally strong sport. Emma Wilson’s bronze in windsurfing was the only previous medal.
Light winds have made it a very frustrating fortnight for the sailors, with numerous races delayed and cancelled.
Aldridge went into the final tied on points with France’s Lauriane Nolot but behind her on count-back after failing to even reach the start line in the last race.
An athlete needs three wins in the final series to clinch gold. The leader starts with two wins, and second place with one, making it all or nothing for Aldridge.
She handled it perfectly, leading virtually from start to finish to tie things up, and Aldridge, the world silver medallist, was even more dominant in the second race, with Nolot falling off her board early on and putting herself out of contention. #EllieAldridgeGold
Aldridge was able to cruise to the finish line before celebrating her moment of history.
Earlier, there was major disappointment for John Gimson and Anna Burnet after their Olympic medal hopes were ended by disqualification in the medal race of the mixed multihull.
Furthermore, Ellie Aldridge’s gold in kitesurfing not only boosted Team GB’s medal count but also inspired many aspiring athletes. Ellie Aldridge gold underscores the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving Olympic greatness.