Please select your home edition
Edition
A+T Instruments BFD 2024 Leaderboard

Breiana Whitehead shows she's a strong contender for Paris 2024

by Australian Sailing Team / Lisa Darmanin 20 May 2024 13:10 AEST
Breiana Whitehead © Robert Hajduk IKA media

Breiana Whitehead finished fifth at the Formula Kite World Championships, held over the past six days in Hyeres, France. With three French competitors ahead of her in the standings, Whitehead also achieved the position of third nation and with it a significant boost in confidence for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, which is limited to one entry per nation.

The week of intense competition featured a range of conditions that challenged the 125 competitors from 36 nations. Whitehead advanced to the semi-finals in fifth place but was beaten by French rider Jessie Kampman for a spot in the top four final.

Reflecting on the competition, Whitehead said, "We had a great range and really nice conditions. The sun was out after the first day and turned on some glamour conditions towards the end of the week. The girls were pushing so hard all week and it was amazing to get to test out my performance on the whole range of kites (minus the 9m)."

Looking ahead, Whitehead is planning to take a short break to recharge before resuming her preparations for the Olympics. "Next steps are to have a bit of time off. I've had a packed start to the year, and a little break is much needed to recharge and focus before the Games. Then it's to Marseille and getting prepared for the Olympics," she stated.

Following her victory at the World Cup at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia regatta at the beginning of April, and two fifth-place finishes and third nation at both the French Olympic Week and the World Championships, Whitehead's impressive performances underscore her status as a top competitor and a strong contender for Paris 2024.

The excitement is palpable for Whitehead. "It's insane to think that the next event I do is the Olympics. I'm so stoked to come away with a fifth at the Worlds and third country, I'm really excited for what's ahead."

In the women's division, Frenchwoman Lauriane Nolot successfully defended her title, winning back-to-back World Championships. In the men's division, 17-year-old Max Maeder from Singapore once again took the championship, highlighting these riders as the ones to watch at the upcoming Olympics in Marseille.

Australia also had two men competing in the event, though the nation has not secured a quota spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Hector Paturau (ASF) finished 17th in the silver fleet (42nd overall), while Oscar Timm (ASF) won the bronze fleet (53rd overall).

Australian Sailing Team High Performance Director Iain Brambell commented, "Brei continues to post impressive results, it's been great to watch her progression from Palma to Worlds as she pushes towards the Olympics in just 67 days' time."

Commenting on the overall preparation of the team for Paris 2024, Brambell shared, "Our Olympic team roster is now complete, and we will see 12 athletes compete across eight disciplines in Marseille. Many of our athletes are already in Marseille, doing their final preparation and becoming familiar with all the intricacies of the venue and the patterns of the Olympic waters."

This rounds out all major competition for sailing ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics that will be held in Marseille from 28th July to 9th August, with the Whitehead set to compete 4th through to 8th of August.

Results can be found here.

Australian Sailing Team (AST), Australian Sailing Pathway Team (ASPT), Australian Sailing Futures (ASF) and other Australian entries (AUS)

Formula Kite Women's - 46 Entries

5th - Breiana Whitehead (ASPT)

Formula Kite Men's - 79 Entries

42nd - Hector Paturau (ASF)
53rd - Oscar Timm (ASF)

Related Articles

Australia's next wave at French Olympic Week
Morris faced light and patchy breeze in the must-win medal showdown French Olympic Week in Hyères delivered everything from the roaring mistral winds that pushed physical limits to the patience-testing light airs that demanded calm and clarity. Posted on 27 Apr
Two golds for Australia at Sailing Grand Slam
Grae Morris and Zoe Thomson have claimed a gold medal each at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía regatta Grae Morris and Zoe Thomson have claimed a gold medal each at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía regatta, held over the past six days in Mallorca, Spain. Posted on 5 Apr
Australia's best set for first major test of 2025
The 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Regatta will commence today The 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Regatta will commence today and continue through to April 5th in Mallorca, Spain, marking the first major international test for Olympic-class sailors this season. Posted on 31 Mar
AUS sailors get a head start on Olympic waters
A crucial stopover in Long Beach, California, the future home of the LA 2028 Olympics As the Australian summer concludes and the sailors are set for the 2025 international regattas, the Australian Sailing ILCA7 squad has made a crucial stopover in Long Beach, California, the future home of the LA 2028 Olympic sailing competition. Posted on 27 Mar
Grae Morris Wins iQFOiL International Games #2
In a league of his own, winning an incredible 11 of 15 qualifying races Grae Morris has stormed to victory in Round 2 of the iQFOiL International Games in Cadiz, Spain, claiming his first major international win. Taking on a stacked fleet of 74 top-tier sailors, Morris was in a league of his own. Posted on 15 Mar
Participation, Pathways, Podium and Beyond
Elevating Women in Australian Sailing This International Women's Day, the Australian Sailing Team (AST) reaffirms its commitment to empowering female athletes with the foundations to succeed on the world stage. Progress is ongoing, but the momentum in women's sailing is undeniable. Posted on 5 Mar
Grae Morris fuelled by adventure and ready to race
Proving that an Olympic silver medal was just the beginning of his journey At just 21 years old, Grae Morris is proving that an Olympic silver medal was just the beginning of his journey. Posted on 25 Feb
Wearn sails away with honours
At Australian Sports Performance Awards Matt Wearn OAM and Grae Morris were celebrated at the 2024 Australian Sports Performance Awards held in Melbourne on Wednesday night. Posted on 4 Dec 2024
Australian Sailing Team welcomes funding
For its High Performance program through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games The Australian Sailing Team has welcomed the Australian Institute of Sport's (AIS) announcement confirming funding for its High Performance program through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Posted on 29 Nov 2024
Mikael Lundh named coach of ILCA 6 Squad
The former elite sailor is the new Australian National ILCA6 Squad Coach Mikael Lundh, a highly experienced Olympic coach and former elite sailor, has taken on the role of Australian National ILCA6 Squad Coach. His appointment bolsters the Australian Sailing Team's emphasis on achieving the required performances Posted on 14 Nov 2024
Hyde Sails 2024 - One DesignPantaenius Sail 2025 AUS FooterBoat Books Australia FOOTER