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World kiteboarders recover from Olympic disillusion
Monday, 12 November 2012 11:41

Kiteboarding: recovering from the Olympic disillusion

The international kiteboarding community is recovering from the shocking exit of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The ISAF decision to reinstate windsurfing has ignited several reactions.


The ISAF Council has decided that windsurfers will keep sailing in the Olympic movement. After, years of blood, sweat and tears, kiteboarders lost it out in the last meters of the race.

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), the world governing body for the sport of kiteboarding, has issued a short statement that truly reveals the spirit of all kite riders.

"We feel with all the kiteboarders out there that hoped to live their Olympic dream already in 2016, but we respect the final decision of the world's governing body and wish the windsurfers all the best in Rio de Janeiro. We will continue our journey - promised".

The Kitesurf Tour Europe (KTE) also expressed sadness at the Olympic loss. "We started setting up such a wonderful sport in 2001 and it's not a problem at all, but a corner on our way".

Kristin Boese, pro kiteboarder and one of the most active personalities of the Olympic kiteboarding boost, was unhappy with the result, but was prepared for the future.

"Let's be positive and celebrate the fact that we simply have a beautiful sport that adds so much to all our lives, as it is. Kite future is bright and wide open and we love it no matter if it is or if it is not Olympic", said Boese.

Meanwhile, the world kiteboarding community has already set up a movement to get the sport in the Olympic race, again. "Get Kiteboarding Into The Olympics" is available, here.


 

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