Austria's Valentin Bontus Wins Gold in Kitesurfing at Olympics

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — In a spectacular display of speed and skill, Austria's Valentin Bontus clinched the gold medal in men’s kitesurfing at the 2024 Summer Olympics, concluding the sailing competitions in Marseille. Bontus triumphed in two final races on Friday, overcoming Slovenia's Toni Vodisek, who took silver, and Singapore's Max Maeder, who secured bronze. The finals, initially scheduled for Thursday, faced delays due to insufficient wind conditions. The kitesurfing format is unique, with the first competitor to achieve three wins declared the champion. Bontus set the tone by winning the first final race late Thursday, which positioned him favorably for the subsequent races. On Friday, he maintained his lead in the first race, ultimately winning the final race to secure the gold. The races are notably brief, typically lasting under 10 minutes, and competitors can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, showcasing the sport's exhilarating nature. The kitesurfing event marked a historic moment as it was the first time Olympic gold was awarded in this discipline, with Britain's Ellie Aldridge winning the inaugural women's gold medal the previous day. The unpredictable winds and high temperatures in Marseille have posed challenges for athletes throughout the sailing events, which began on July 28. The Netherlands emerged as the top medalist in sailing, with Italy and Austria also achieving notable success.