Cover photo: China’s Yunxiu Lu has won gold in the Women’s Windsurfer, RS:X after a tense three-way battle in the Medal Race. Photo © Sailing Energy / World Sailing …..
Enoshima, Japan – 7/31/2021 – By Andy Rice, World Sailing – Yunxiu Lu (CHN) has won gold in the Women’s Windsurfer – RS:X after a tense three-way battle in the Medal Race.
With the Medal Race counting for double points, the gap between these three athletes was negligible. Lu went into the Medal Race wearing the gold bib, holding a four-point edge over Emma Wilson (GBR), who was just two points in front of Charline Picon (FRA).
Off the start line, it was very even between the three contenders but China was showing a small speed advantage in the light-wind, heavy-pumping conditions. Around the first mark however it was an advantage France, just five seconds ahead of China with Great Britain some way behind.
At the bottom turning gate, with France and China opting for the right-hand side of the course, Britain in the seventh broke left. By the top mark, Wilson had climbed up to second, and around the final windward mark, it was the top three contenders holding the top three places in the Medal Race. The balance of power swung back and forth on the final run to the finish, although gradually Picon worked out a lead to win the Medal Race.
There was no celebration from France however. Great Britain crossed in second, China third. That was enough to give the gold medal to Yunxiu Lu, silver to Picon, and bronze to Wilson.
