Breiana Whitehead Returns to International Competition at 2025 Formula Kite Europeans
by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 14 May 06:08 BST
14-19 May 2025
Brei Whitehead on shore in Palma © Beau Outteridge
Australian kitefoiler Breiana Whitehead is back on the international stage this week, as she lines up against top level competition at the 2025 Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Türkiye from May 14 to 19.
The 24-year-old from Townsville took some time to reset following her Olympic debut at Paris 2024, "It's been really nice to have a break after the Games," Breiana shared. "Taking some time away from racing gave the body and mind a chance to rest and reset. It's been nice to spend more time with friends and family, learning new things, and starting projects I just haven't had time for during the Olympic cycle."
Her time away has only reignited her passion to compete, "In saying that I am looking forward to getting back into the racing, I've been getting that itch to get back out on a racecourse, so the Europeans are perfect timing," she said. "The venue in Urla looks really cool, mostly flat-water venue and I expect some tight racing to come."
This week's event marks Breiana's first major international regatta of the new Olympic cycle, "This week is all about getting back racing again in an international fleet," she explained. "There's been quite a few changes in the class with the new cycle equipment so I'm really keen to do some learning, find out what's working and really just take it one step at a time - get the basics right and enjoy the racing."
Australian Sailing Team High Performance Director, Iain Brambell, is thrilled to see the Paris 2024 Olympian back in action, "It's really exciting to see Brei returning to the international fleet following her downtime and recovery period post Paris," said Brambell.
"Similar to the National Squad athletes that competed in Palma and Hyeres, the 2025 season is about gathering intel on the fleet particularly in the classes that have undergone equipment changes like the Kites. Athletes and coaches are continuously seeking more and more intel to learn, adjust and improve faster than our competitors to compete and achieve repeatable podium performances on the road to LA2028."
The 2025 Formula Kite Europeans mark a pivotal step in Breiana's return, as she re-establishes herself on the international circuit. The Australian Sailing Team is proud to support her as she begins her journey toward LA 2028.