Team GB has announced the final member of its 14-strong sailing team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Connor Bainbridge will represent the UK in the men’s kite class, adding to the strong lineup of British sailors.
Image © Sailing Energy
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Bainbridge’s Journey to the Olympics
The 30-year-old athlete from Halifax, West Yorkshire, clinched his spot on Team GB following his impressive victory at the French Olympic Week regatta. He secured one of the five available country quota places, completing the sailing team for Paris 2024. Reflecting on his selection, Bainbridge said,
“It’s definitely not been a straight or easy road to get here, with so many twists and turns over my whole career since I started windsurfing on a freezing cold lake in West Yorkshire, but it’s all been worth it and I can’t wait to represent Team GB at this summer’s Olympics.”
“It’s definitely not been a straight or easy road to get here, with so many twists and turns over my whole career since I started windsurfing on a freezing cold lake in West Yorkshire, but it’s all been worth it and I can’t wait to represent Team GB at this summer’s Olympics.”
Bainbridge previously missed opportunities to secure a quota spot at both the 2023 World Championships and European Championships. However, he redeemed himself by dominating the “Last Chance Regatta,” winning nine out of 15 races and finishing first in the final, confirming his victory.
Recognition from Team GB Leadership
Mark England, Team GB Chef de Mission, expressed his excitement about Bainbridge’s inclusion in the team, saying, “After narrowly missing out on selection last summer, I am delighted to welcome Connor to Team GB for Paris 2024.” England also praised the British Sailing team for qualifying a full complement of sailors.
The Formula Kite Class
For the first time, the Formula Kite class will be part of the Olympic sailing roster at Paris 2024. Bainbridge and Ellie Aldridge will represent Britain in this new event, which is known for being the fastest sailing event in the Summer Olympics.
Sailors can reach speeds of up to 50 mph on their hydrofoil boards, powered by large kites. They control these kites using lines attached to a bar and can switch between four kites of different sizes depending on wind conditions.
Mark Robinson, RYA Performance Director, commended Bainbridge’s dedication, noting, “Connor has shown true grit and determination to secure Britain a place on the Men’s Kite start line at Paris 2024.”
Team GB’s Sailing Roster for Paris 2024
The complete Team GB sailing roster includes:
- Mixed Multihull (Nacra 17): John Gimson and Anna Burnet
- Men’s Skiff (49er): James Peters and Fynn Sterritt
- Women’s Skiff (49erFX): Freya Black and Saskia Tidey
- Women’s Windsurfing (iQFOiL): Emma Wilson
- Men’s Windsurfing (iQFOiL): Sam Sills
- Women’s Kite (Formula Kite): Ellie Aldridge
- Men’s Kite (Formula Kite): Connor Bainbridge
- Men’s Dinghy (ILCA 7): Michael Beckett
- Women’s Dinghy (ILCA 6): Hannah Snellgrove
- Mixed Dinghy (470): Vita Heathcote and Chris Grube
Paris 2024: Sailing at the Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. Sailing events will take place from July 28 to August 8, 2024, at the Stade Nautique de Roucas Blanc in Marseille.
