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1:23 PM 12th May 2020
sports

Windsurfer Jennie Roberts Changes Course!

 
Following a successful two years racing the Youth RSX windsurf (17 – 19 years), Huddersfield racer Jennie Roberts is now moving into the new high speed, adrenaline packed sport of windsurf foiling.

Jennie’s previous windsurfing achievements were recognised when Pete Lombard, leader of the Talented Athlete Programme at Huddersfield New College presented her with Talented Athlete of the Year Award 2018-19 at HNC.

Last year’s European RSX Championships were held in Mallorca, followed later in the year by the RSX Youth World Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia. Jennie was the only competitor from the UK to attend the Russian competition. Despite strong competition from an entry of over 100 international athletes, following 5 days racing, in this stunning location, Jennie finished a very credible 20th girl.

Jemmie being presented her with Talented Athlete of the Year Award 2018-19 at HNC
Jemmie being presented her with Talented Athlete of the Year Award 2018-19 at HNC
The International Olympic Committee recently decided that windsurfing should be upgraded to reflect the rise in popularity of foiling in water sports. The wind foil will therefore be the equipment of choice for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Foiling uses specialised, updated windsurfing equipment, with a strengthened board and large hydrofoil attached beneath the board. The design of the foil enables the rider to lift the equipment out of the water and fly above the waves. The British training squad for this new discipline have recently attended winter training in Portugal to develop their racing skills on this kit. Following the Corona virus outbreak everyone is now back in the UK, eagerly awaiting delivery of their new race kit, the Starboard IQ Foil.

Last year Jennie received a sports scholarship to Solent University, in Southampton, where she is studying Events and Festival Management. The superb training facilities at Solent will enable further development of personal fitness, plus relocating to Southampton allows much easier access to water based training venues along the south coast, including Weymouth, the British Sailing Team base. You can check out Jennie’s progress and further information on her website http://www.JenGBR667.online.