Team GB kite call-up for Bridge brothers for World Beach Games in Doha
by British Sailing Team 19 Sep 13:07 BST
12-16 October 2019
Guy Bridge © IKA / Alex Schwarz
The British Sailing Team's Olly and Guy Bridge have today been named among the 21 athletes picked to represent Team GB at the first ever World Beach Games in Doha.
The Bridge brothers will fly the flag for Great Britain in the kite foiling competition, one of seven of the 14 beach and water disciplines to feature Team GB athletes.
The pair, both veterans of the international kite foiling circuit, joined the British Sailing Team earlier this year after the sport was slated for inclusion at Paris 2024.
The Exmouth-based Bridges will be joined by their mother Steph, a former kitefoiling world champion, who takes the Team GB spot in the women's fleet.
Racing will run from October 12 to 16 and will feature the world's top riders.
It is a vital benchmark for those looking to represent their countries when kite foiling makes its Olympic debut in five years' time.
"It feels amazing to be representing Britain at the World Beach Games," said Olly. "It's going to be the most prestigious event kiteboarding has had the opportunity to be at, so being chosen to compete is a great achievement and honour.
"My goal is to finish on the podium, but all the competitors there will be the best the sport has to offer, the racing will be very tight and everyone had there is capable of winning.
"It's just going to be very tight between all the other competitors, but I am looking forward to it.
"Competing at the World Beach Games will give me insight into what it's like to compete in a major competition similar to the Olympics, and hopefully I will gain experience from it."
Guy, pictured above, added: "It's pretty special to have the opportunity to compete for my country in such a global event, especially with the rest of my family to make it even better.
"Getting the call to say I'd been chosen to compete was pretty cool. I guess I didn't know quite how much it meant to a lot of people at the time, and after a few weeks it really sunk in how much of a big deal it was to compete for the country.
"My goal is to win the event, however the intense competition in the kite racing scene at the moment will make it incredibly competitive especially with all the best riders in the world being there."
The Team GB delegation at Doha 2019 will be led by Chef de Mission Caitlin McClatchey, a three-time Olympian in swimming.
"The inaugural World Beach Games is a fantastic opportunity for athletes to get their first taste of competing for Team GB at a multi-sport Games," said McClatchey.
"We are excited to introduce Team GB fans to seven new sports, especially ahead of climbing and skateboarding's debut in Tokyo 2020. I look forward to working with the sports, and seeing our athletes in action out in Doha."
Follow the British Sailing Team at britishsailingteam.com