The 2024 Hong Kong Open Windsurfing Championships are taking place right now up until the 10th of November, windsurfers from across the globe, including our very own Emma Wilson are competing. I caught up with double olympic medal winning British Sailing Team windsurfer Emma just before she boarded her plane to Hong Kong. Here at The Official Test Centre we are lucky that our centre is located where the British Sailing Team train, come and learn to windsurf, wing and foil and rub shoulders with Team GB!
By Emma Nicholson.
How was your trip to the Isle of Barra?
Emma said: "Trip to Isle of Barra was super cool, it was such an amazing place and the people were all so friendly. It was really nice visiting the schools and trying to show what windsurfing is all about."
Can you tell us a bit more about the Hong Kong Open windsurfing champs?
Emma said: "It is the Hong Kong National championships , I’m looking forward to it. It will be my first race since the Olympic Games. I haven't done much training as I wanted to take a break so it will be interesting, I’m just going for the experience and to enjoy it."
What is your schedule/training plan looking like at the moment?
Emma said: "At the moment I’m going to Hong Kong and don’t have too many plans after that. It’s taken me some time to process what happened at the Olympics. It’s been nice to have a break and be a bit more normal for a while. Next year I would love to win the world championships so at some point I’ll put a plan together to aim for that."
You’ve been inspiring local school kids, why is it important to you to do this?
Emma said: "Amazing what places windsurfing around inflatable marks can take you,
I get to speak to some young groms about my journey. Sport has helped me so much. I tried hard [in the classroom]… But once I was outside and into sports, I could be myself.
I’m sure there are lots of kids like that, and if I can help show them that you don’t have to be good in the classroom to succeed, it’s something I’d like to share with younger generations. If you work hard at something, you can achieve great things. That’s a win for me.”
Will you be going to warmer climes for the winter for your training?
Emma said: "Yeah I hope to go somewhere warmer for Jan feb and march!"
If Emma has inspired you to start your windsurfing journey, why not book a taster with us at The Official Test Centre, call 07817 717904 and start your adventure today!
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