Whitehead Back in the Mix with Ninth at Formula Kite Europeans in Urla, Türkiye

Australia's Breiana Whitehead finishes 9th at the Formula Kite Europeans in Urla, Türkiye © IKA Media / Robert Hajduk

Australia's Breiana Whitehead has made a confident return to international competition, finishing ninth overall at the 2025 Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Türkiye.

Eighteen races were held on the Aegean Sea ahead of the Medal Series, providing a true test of consistency and adaptability, "This week we had a range of conditions all very flat water," Whitehead shared. "It started off quite windy 20 to 25 knots, a nice day on the 15 metres (kite). Then it swung offshore and got pretty shifty for the next days."

Whitehead thrived in the high-pressure, close-quarters environment that defines elite Formula Kite racing, she reflected, "I really enjoyed getting back into the mix and into the close racing that international racing provides. As expected, there were a few cobwebs that need some dusting off, but overall, I'm happy with how I'm going."

The 24-year-old leaves Türkiye with clarity on what's needed to take the next step, "I've got things to take home and work on for sure and need time to get fully up to speed with the new gear for the cycle, as I was still racing on the old foil," she explained.

Her ninth-place finish, just one spot shy of the Medal Series cut, is a promising start as she begins building into a new Olympic campaign. Australian Sailing Technical Director Michael Blackburn was encouraged by what he saw, sharing, "While it would have been nice for Brei to slide straight into the top eight finals at the Europeans, her ninth position is solid considering it's her first regatta back since the Games."

Blackburn emphasised the importance of taking a progressive view in this stage of her journey, "The plan is that this year is about watching and learning in a long-term build towards her best performances."

Whitehead will now return home to balance training with work commitments, before heading to Los Angeles in July for the Sailing Grand Slam, where she'll continue building momentum for the season ahead.

Full results for the Formula Kite European Championships can be found here.