What's happened
Ellie Aldridge made history by becoming the first Olympic gold medallist in kitesurfing at the 2024 Paris Games. Competing in Marseille, she secured victory with two decisive race wins, salvaging a disappointing regatta for Team GB, which has struggled with light winds and limited medal success.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Ellie Aldridge's gold medal win was covered extensively across various outlets. The Independent highlighted her strategic choice of a smaller kite, which proved advantageous in the final races, stating, 'Aldridge was the only rider to choose a smaller kite... a risk that paid off handsomely.' The Guardian emphasized the significance of her victory in the context of Team GB's overall performance, noting that it 'salvages what had been a hugely disappointing regatta.' Meanwhile, Eleanor Crooks from The Independent captured Aldridge's emotional response, quoting her as saying, 'I still can’t really believe it... It doesn’t feel real.' This sentiment reflects the broader narrative of overcoming adversity in a challenging competition.
How we got here
The 2024 Paris Olympics marked the debut of kitesurfing as an Olympic sport. Team GB faced challenges throughout the regatta, with only one medal secured prior to Aldridge's gold, highlighting the difficulties posed by inconsistent wind conditions.
Common question
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What are the highlights and criticisms of the Paris 2024 Olympics?
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Eleanor (Ellie) Aldridge (born 29 December 1996) is a British sailor from Dorset who competes in women's kite foiling. She won the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships and took the silver that year in the World Championships. She is a member of the...
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The modern Olympic Games or Olympics are leading international sporting events featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes from around the world participate in a variety of competitions.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.