Eleanor Aldridge Makes History with First Olympic Kiteboarding Gold

In a groundbreaking moment for sailing kiteboarding, Great Britain's Eleanor Aldridge has secured the first-ever Olympic gold medal in the Women's Kite event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, held in the picturesque city of Marseille.

Aldridge's triumph came as a remarkable surprise to many, including herself. "It’s crazy. I didn’t expect it at all," Aldridge exclaimed after her victory. "I just came here to race the best I could against the best in the world, and today I was better than them, so I’m pretty happy."

The final day of competition saw Aldridge face fierce rivals, including Lauriane Nolot of France and Annelous Lammerts of the Netherlands. Nolot, who had dominated the qualifying series with two wins, started as the favourite. However, Aldridge made her mark by winning the first race of the final, levelling the field with Nolot.

Aldridge’s historic win not only highlights her exceptional talent but also sets a new benchmark for the sport on the Olympic stage. Her gold medal is a testament to her dedication and a significant milestone in the world of kiteboarding.