The first day of the final qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics saw Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler claim three first places at the Last Chance Regatta to live up to her billing as an also-ran turned medal contender in the Formula Kite event.
The 28-year-old is arguably the most improved athlete in the newest Olympic sailing event and has been talked about as a potential challenger for the podium this summer in Marseille. But the Swiss must first qualify a place for her country at the Last Chance Regatta which is being held as part of the Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères, and she has put herself in a very strong position after just one day’s racing.
Three bullets and a second place will make her difficult to dislodge from the top five places which will earn a qualifying place for a sailor’s country.
Behind Lengwiler is a trio of Poles, lead by former under-19 world champion Julia Damasiewicz, in search of that precious Olympic berth for Poland, with Austria, Turkey and Portugal standing in ticket earning places at the end of the first day.
Poland also had a strong day in the men’s kite, where Maks Zakowski then Jan Marciniak top the standings after four races. With Cameron Maramenidis of Greece winning the last two races and sitting currently after the Poles, Connor Bainbridge of Great Britain – among the best sailors still not assured of a place on the start line at the Games – is down in third with only the top five qualifying a country place. Markus Edegran – who knows he will be selected if he can qualify US, and Alex Ehlen of Monaco compelte the qualification standings at the end of day 1.
