QINGDAO, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Amid belated gusts and radiant sunshine, China's inaugural ILCA 6 Women's and ILCA 7 Men's World Championships concluded Saturday at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.
The competition featured more than 230 athletes from 49 countries and regions, including multiple world champions, Olympic medalists, and rising stars. Despite repeated postponements caused by fog and calm seas over the first four days, the final two days delivered thrilling showdowns among top contenders.
French athlete Louise Cervera, 27, delivered a rock-solid performance, securing two race victories across six rounds to claim the ILCA 6 crown with 25 points. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Dutch rising star Willem Wiersema upset two-time Olympic silver medalist Pavlos Kontides of Cyprus to win the ILCA 7 title.
"I think it's really easy to get distracted when you see other boats doing well, but be really open-minded, don't expect things to happen, just deal with what you see and go on," Wiersema said. "There are many legends in the fleets, I try to look at everyone and see what I can learn, and try to win a medal."
More than an elite maritime competition, the event -- held from May 10 to 17 -- served as a key milestone in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Chinese squad made the most of its home advantage, fielding nearly 40 athletes.
Under sub-10 knot breezes on May 16, Huang Ze'en and Gu Min each claimed one race victory in the ILCA 6 division. Fujian's 16-year-old rookie Zhang Linhan delivered a breakthrough performance with a second-place finish in the ILCA 6 final race on May 17, showcasing tactical maturity beyond her years.
"This event has allowed them to test their skills against world-class competitors," said Xu Lijia, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Laser Radial bronze medalist and 2012 London Olympic gold medalist. "Seeing so many new faces emerging in the sport truly excites me."
Xu also noted that Saturday's sailing training far exceeds that of her generation. "Back then, I often learned techniques from books. Now young athletes can test themselves with world-class sailors regularly - that's a huge advantage."
Zhu Yuchen, a 17-year-old sailor making her international debut, expressed both anticipation and excitement about competing alongside elite athletes. "I feel less psychological pressure, just giving my all and performing my best," said the teenager, who aims to "strive for Olympic glory like Xu - she is my idol and the pride of Team Shanghai."
As a council member of World Sailing, Xu brings a global perspective to China's sailing development, complementing her insights into international regatta management. "While we've built solid Olympic capabilities, more Chinese athletes must engage in prestigious international regattas to elevate global standing," she said. Enditem
京公網安備 11010802027341號