Paris 2024 sailing: Eleanor Aldridge of Great Britain wins historic first Olympic gold medal in women’s kite

Eleanor Aldridge of Great Britain has become the first athlete to ever win a sailing kiteboarding gold medal, sealing the women's kite title in Marseille on Thursday (8 August).

Lauriane Nolot of France captured silver while Annelous Lammerts of the Netherlands took home the bronze.

"It’s crazy. I literally didn't expect it at all. I just came here to race the best I could against the best in the world and today I was better than them, so pretty happy," Aldridge said.

Entering the Paris 2024 final, Nolot was the leader of the pack having two wins in the qualifying series while Aldridge had just one. Aldridge would win the first race of the final to even the tally with Nolot before a dramatic second race.

Early in the race, disaster struck for Nolot as she fell and ended up in the water, dropping back to fourth before the first mark. This allowed Aldridge a lead that she would not relinquish. She crossed the finish line to secure gold and became the first athlete, man or woman, to win a kite event at the Olympic Games.

Nolot held silver because of her strong performance in the opening series. Daniela Moroz of the United States was in contention for bronze but picked up a penalty that derailed her chances.

"It’s going to take time (to sink in) because I am a bit disappointed," Nolot said. "I was hoping to have the gold. I’ll try to enjoy the silver one and now it's the holidays so it feels great."

Sailing: Women’s kite podium

Gold: Eleanor Aldridge, Great Britain

Silver: Lauriane Nolot, France

Bronze: Annelous Lammerts, Netherlands

See all the results on Olympics.com.