As the Mediterranean wind swept through the Bay of Marseille, the iQFOiL class made its Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games—bringing speed, strategy, and spectacle to one of the sport’s most anticipated venues. With its high-tech foiling boards, the discipline offered a bold new vision of windsurfing, combining traditional sailing tactics with high-speed dynamics more familiar to Formula One.
The event, hosted from July 28 to August 2, saw 48 elite athletes—24 men and 24 women—compete for the first Olympic medals in iQFOiL history. The races unfolded between the dramatic Frioul Islands and Mont Rose, with the legendary Calanques National Park forming a cinematic backdrop.
Olympic iQFOiL Format: Three Races, One Goal
Athletes were tested across three race types, each emphasizing different skill sets. This tri-format system—used at both senior and iqfoil youth levels—aimed to reward all-around ability, from explosive starts to marathon endurance.
Race Types Explained
- Sprint Slalom (4–7 minutes):
A full-fleet downwind sprint where board control and speed decide everything. One mistake, and you’re out of the top 10. - Course Racing (16–23 minutes):
Upwind-downwind tactical contests requiring precise layline calls and strong adaptation to Marseille’s shifty winds. - Marathon (60–90 minutes):
A long-distance endurance challenge with strategic navigation from the Olympic Marina to the Corniche and back.
The format built toward the Medal Race Series, a knockout bracket featuring Quarter-Finals, Semis, and a Final for the top 10 overall.
“The Olympic format in iqgames is made to thrill,” said one coach. “There’s nowhere to hide. You need speed, stamina, and mental clarity.”
Race Week Snapshot — Marseille, July 28–August 2
| Day | Conditions | Race Type Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| July 28 | 14–20 knots Mistral | Course Racing x3 |
| July 29 | Lighter thermal breeze | Sprint Slalom + Marathon for men |
| July 30 | Mixed wind profiles | Combined formats for both fleets |
| July 31 | Light & unstable | Women’s Slalom + Men’s Marathon |
| August 1 | Strong gusts up to 22 knots | Final qualification races |
| August 2 | Steady 18 knots | Medal Races (Quarter/Semi/Final) |
Despite unpredictable winds early in the week, Marseille delivered on finals day: a steady Mistral between 14 and 22 knots, giving riders ideal foiling conditions.
Quarterfinals: Tactical Brilliance and Upsets
The women’s quarterfinal featured a fierce contest among Olympic newcomers and returning stars. Peru’s Maria Belen and China’s Zheng Yan executed a smart move by choosing the starboard side, gaining a tactical edge and advancing to the semis. Meanwhile, France’s Hélène Noesmoen and Germany’s Theresa Marie Steinlein stayed within striking distance.
On the men’s side, reigning world and European champion Nicolo Renna of Italy suffered a surprise early exit after a costly positioning error. This opened the door for the Netherlands’ Tom Luuc Van Opzeeland and Britain’s Sam Sills to qualify for the next round.
“It shows how tight the fleet is now,” said Sills. “You can be a world champion and still miss the final.”
Semis and Finals: Stars Rise Under Pressure
The semifinals brought in new contenders:
- Women: Sharon Kantor (ISR) and Marta Maggetti (ITA) joined Great Britain’s Emma Wilson.
- Men: Tom Reuveny (ISR) and Van Opzeeland lined up against Australia’s rising star Grae Morris.
Emma Wilson, one of the most consistent athletes in the iqfoil youth transition, delivered a near-flawless start in the women’s final. However, a small tactical misjudgment at the windward mark allowed Maggetti and Kantor to slip ahead.
Wilson’s comeback effort secured her a bronze medal, replicating her Tokyo 2021 result—a testament to her resilience and continued growth.
In the men’s final, it was Tom Reuveny who stole the spotlight. Opting for the favored starboard lane, he surged ahead early and never looked back. Behind him, Grae Morris battled through tight angles and shifting breeze to secure silver, while Van Opzeeland’s tireless work through the knockout rounds earned him a well-deserved bronze.
“From quarterfinals to podium—this format rewards grit,” Van Opzeeland told reporters. “I left it all on the water.”
Medal Standings: Olympic Debut Delivers Surprises
The podium reflected both expected contenders and breakthrough performers. The high-pressure format and variable Marseille conditions turned the regatta into a tactical chess match—rewarding sailors who could adapt quickly across multiple formats.
Final Medal Results — iQFOiL Olympic Class
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Marta Maggetti (ITA) | Sharon Kantor (ISR) | Emma Wilson (GBR) |
| Men | Tom Reuveny (ISR) | Grae Morris (AUS) | Luuc Van Opzeeland (NED) |
These results are likely to influence global rankings and preparations for the next iqgames and World Sailing Championships. For younger fans and aspiring athletes following iqfoil youth, these names now define what it means to perform under Olympic pressure.
Emma Wilson: Consistency Across Olympic Cycles
Emma Wilson’s performance marked her second Olympic bronze—an achievement few in windsurfing can match. Transitioning from RS:X to iQFOiL, Wilson adapted her strengths as a physical and strategic sailor to the new format seamlessly.
“You never get used to the pressure,” she said post-race. “But with iQFOiL, it’s about staying in flow. That’s what I aimed for all week.”
Her performance further solidifies Great Britain’s legacy in Olympic sailing disciplines.
Reuveny and Kantor: Israeli Breakthrough
Tom Reuveny’s gold marks Israel’s first-ever Olympic title in a foiling discipline, and Sharon Kantor’s silver completes a remarkable double for the country. Their success follows a decade of investment in windsurfing and hydrofoil training infrastructure.
It also serves as an inspiration for younger athletes training in national iqfoil youth programs, where Israel has shown growing dominance over the past four years.
A Format Built for Spectators
Unlike older sailing formats often criticized for being difficult to follow, iQFOiL’s combination of short sprints, mid-length tactical races, and dramatic long-distance marathons gave spectators real-time action. The Medal Series, with its head-to-head knockouts, translated well for both on-site fans and international broadcasts.
What Made the Format Work?
- Fast turnover: Sprint races completed in under 7 minutes
- Visual clarity: Foiling boards remain above the chop, offering great camera angles
- Narrative tension: Athletes fight through multiple rounds with no second chances
“The iqgames format brought iQFOiL to life,” said an event commentator. “It’s the closest sailing has ever felt to action sports like BMX or ski cross.”
Marseille: A Perfect Olympic Stage
Though part of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the sailing events took place in Marseille, offering some of the best racing conditions in Europe. Its position between open sea and dramatic cliffs creates natural compression zones—ideal for high-performance sailing.
- Winds: Dominated by the Mistral, which oscillated between 10 and 22 knots throughout the week.
- Course layout: Combined flatwater sections with rolling chop and gust corridors.
- Crowds: Coastal paths and breakwaters allowed fans to watch finals with near-stadium-like atmosphere.
The combination of venue, equipment, and format made iQFOiL one of the breakout sports of Paris 2024.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for iQFOiL?
The Paris Games marked a defining moment for iQFOiL—but the class isn’t slowing down. The spotlight now shifts to:
- iQFOiL Youth & Junior World Championships 2024 — a proving ground for the next generation.
- 2025 iQGames Series — featuring more integrated formats and TV-friendly coverage.
- Los Angeles 2028 — where iQFOiL is confirmed for a second Olympic appearance.
For federations and fans alike, the message is clear: iQFOiL isn’t a novelty—it’s the future of windsurfing.
