Sixth-former crowned British amateur kitesurfing champion
Francesca Maini (6a, Carlyon) became national amateur champion at the British Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships last month, with her younger brother Mattia (Re, Carlyon) also finishing second in the junior section.
Despite still being a junior herself, 17-year-old Francesca fought off senior women to take home the title.
The pair are highly rated on the national scene and have been tipped as potential Olympians when kitesurfing makes its Olympic debut in the 2024 Paris Games.
Both represented Great Britain Youth in July at the Kitefoil World Series in Italy where Mattia won Bronze in the under-16 category.
That reputation has brought attention from local broadcaster ITV Meridian, and Francesca’s ability has seen her nominated to Sport England’s highly selective Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme which helps athletes balance their education and sporting careers.
