Olympic medallist Emma Wilson can ‘inspire’ local windsurfers at Hong Kong Open, coach says
The Briton, who finished third at the Tokyo Games in the RS:X event, was also on the podium in Paris when iQFoil was introduced
Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Emma Wilson can “inspire” the next generation when she makes her Hong Kong Open Windsurfing Championship debut early next month, says the city’s head coach, Chan King-yin.
Wilson, who finished third at the Tokyo Games three years ago in the RS:X event and was also on the podium in Paris where iQFoil was introduced, will be in Hong Kong for the six-day regatta, which kicks off on November 5.
The Briton is not the first Olympic medallist to take part in the Hong Kong Open and Chan said it was common practice for Europe’s best windsurfers to compete in the city or neighbouring countries in Asia to continue their training and compete as it was “too cold” during the winter in Europe.
“It’s always great to learn from the best up close. Our senior squad members have not lacked the opportunity to compete overseas but this is a great opportunity for the juniors,” Chan said. “There aren’t many who can just go and watch the Olympics.
“We expect to have Wilson host some training sessions for our youth team, and hopefully the presence of such high-profile athletes and her stories will inspire our kids.”
Wilson, who was outright leader after 14 races in Tokyo, advanced straight to the medal race before eventually finishing behind Italy’s Marta Maggetti and Sharon Kantor of Israel.
