Kiteboarding set to become an Olympic sport

Paul Dancey on 13/05/2012

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has announced that for Rio 2016 windsurfing will be dropped in favour of kiteboarding.

ISAF President Göran Petersson said: "Kiteboarding has proven to us that it is ready to be included into the list of prestigious ISAF Events and it is a fantastic addition to the sailing programme for the 2016 Olympic Games."

The decision to replace windsurfing with kiteboarding has been met with surprise and frustration within windsurfing and an online petition has been set up to keep it as an Olympic discipline.

British sailing's John Derbyshire said: "We're disappointed for all those who are working at the coal face of the Royal Yachting Association's windsurfing programmes to deliver activity and British success on the world stage who will be affected most by this decision."

However, he added: "Kiteboarding made a solid case for its Olympic inclusion at the March trials and, although a surprise that ISAF has voted it into the Olympic programme at this stage, it appears they wished to seize the opportunity, rather than wait until 2020."

Britain's Bryony Shaw, who won windsurfing bronze at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, posted on Twitter: "Windsurfing is me... I am windsurfing!" before adding: "My focus on London now seems heightened!! New discipline for Rio... New challenge...!"

Nick Dempsey, who was fourth in the men's event four years ago, also posted on Twitter saying: "Wow, unexpected. That was a big decision and a very sad day for windsurfing. My heart goes out to all the aspiring champions and kids with dreams of windsurfing at the Olympics."

Kiteboarding will now also be included in the ISAF Sailing World Cup and the Sailing World Championships, as well as the Rio 2016 Olympic sailing competition.

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