Paris 2024 Olympics: “I'll have to do what I usually do, win and thank you, goodbye”, hopes Lauriane Nolot for her sailing final

Lauriane Nolot à une victoire de la médaille d’or. MAXPPP – OLIVIER HOSLET

La Française première en kite-foil peut amener une seconde médaille aux Bleus en voile, jeudi 8 août, si les courses, perturbées depuis trois jours à cause du vent, ont lieu.

This has been the common thread of these twelve days of sailing in Marseille, the lack of wind. Until then, World Sailing, the international federation, had managed to manage the postponements of races from one day to the next while waiting for better conditions. But since Monday, things have become complicated as four series have not finished their competitions (six regattas, Monday; eight, Tuesday; two, Wednesday).

A painful situation to live with for sailors who have seen many races start before being stopped in the middle, changing race locations or waiting for many hours on the water. We are thinking more particularly of the kite-foilers who normally had sixteen qualifying rounds and who will only have run six among the girls and seven among the boys.

Nolot to a gold victory

A complicated context but which suits the Frenchwoman Lauriane Nolot in the lead among the girls. Especially since she is sure to participate in the final with three other girls and will leave with two points for this or these final regattas. Knowing that each race in the final awards a point to the winner of the round and that to win gold, you need three points. A victory in the final is therefore enough for her to be Olympic champion.

“It was the most stressful day of my “life” so far, because of course I was the leader, so I said to myself, really if it doesn't go well, I'm fine with that, we'll stay like that. It's a great advantage that I have, it's almost a guaranteed medal, so that's already a big weight off my mind. Tomorrow I will have to do what I usually do, do a round, win it, and thank you, goodbye”, explained the double world champion.

Mazella still has hope

If the wind indirectly did the Tricolore's business, we can't say the same for Axel Mazella, only sixth overall. Frustrating because a round had been launched and he was third, thus getting closer overall. The Varois will therefore have to be very strong to bring home a medal. “We'll take it step by step and we'll see what happens”, indicated the Frenchman, especially since the wind is really expected. Finally…

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