The iQFOiL, the latest innovation in windsurfing, will make its Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games.
This new equipment promises higher speeds and an exciting finals format, bringing a fresh dynamic to the sport. Here’s everything you need to know about iQFOiL racing at Marseille Marina.
What is iQFOiL?
iQFOiL is the latest evolution in windsurfing, combining elements of sailing and surfing. Windsurfing has been part of the Olympic program since 1984 for men and 1992 for women, with various equipment used over the years, including Windglider, Lechner, Mistral, and RS:X. iQFOiL will replace the RS:X as the Olympic windsurfing equipment for Paris 2024.
How Does iQFOiL Work?
Unlike traditional windsurfing boards that float on the water, the iQFOiL uses hydrofoils attached to the bottom of the board, allowing it to lift out of the water and essentially fly. This mechanism is similar to the physics of an airplane wing. The iQFOiL is significantly faster than its predecessor, the RS:X, with starting speeds of 25 km/h compared to the previous 5 km/h. Additionally, the iQFOiL board is wider and shorter, enabling racers to take more direct routes to the mark.
Previous Olympic Medallists in Windsurfing
Women
- Tokyo 2020, RS:X Women:
- Gold: Lu Yunxiu (China)
- Silver: Charline Picon (France)
- Bronze: Emma Wilson (Great Britain)
- Rio 2016, RS:X Women:
- Gold: Charline Picon (France)
- Silver: Chen Peina (China)
- Bronze: Stefania Elfutina (Russia)
- London 2012, RS:X Women:
- Gold: Marina Alabau (Spain)
- Silver: Tuuli Petaja (Finland)
- Bronze: Zofia Klepacka (Poland)
Men
- Tokyo 2020, RS:X Men:
- Gold: Kiran Badloe (Netherlands)
- Silver: Thomas Goyard (France)
- Bronze: Bi Kun (China)
- Rio 2016, RS:X Men:
- Gold: Dorian van Rijsselberghe (Netherlands)
- Silver: Nick Dempsey (Great Britain)
- Bronze: Pierre Le Coq (France)
- London 2012, RS:X Men:
- Gold: Dorian van Rijsselberghe (Netherlands)
- Silver: Nick Dempsey (Great Britain)
- Bronze: Przemysław Miarczyński (Poland)
Top Athletes in iQFOiL
At the World Championships in Lanzarote in February, Nicolo Renna of Italy won gold in the men’s event, while Sharon Kantor of Israel claimed victory in the women’s event. This followed the successes of Luuc van Opzeeland (Netherlands) and Shahar Tibi (Israel) at the 2023 Allianz Sailing World Championships.
When is the iQFOiL Event at Paris 2024?
iQFOiL racing will begin on Sunday, July 28, and conclude on Friday, August 2, at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Conclusion
The introduction of iQFOiL to the Olympics marks a significant milestone in the evolution of windsurfing. With its advanced hydrofoil technology, the iQFOiL promises to bring unprecedented speed and excitement to the sport. Fans can look forward to thrilling races and witnessing the prowess of the world’s top windsurfers at the Paris 2024 Games.
