It is not often that we see pure sporting dominance, the Olympics being the catalyst for many incredible performances and pushing athletes to their optimum levels. Today we saw Ben Ainsle win yet another gold medal, but shortly before Dorian van Rijsselberghe of Holland secured his first gold in style, with another two races still to take place.
Dorian built up such a lead on previous days, leaving the others to focus on silver even mid way through the competition. But it was with the most dominant race of the whole games, pulling out a lead of over three minutes over the next sailor, that Dorian officially took gold. It surely shows the dominance of the young Dutchman that he did not need to complete the final race today, and just needs to enter to medal race to win.
At only 23 years of age, although this may well be the last time windsurfing is in the Olympics it does not look like it will be the end for this Olympian. Kiters, watch out!
Some words from the man himself, gold medalist Dorian van Rijsselberghe:
“Yeah, I had a really good first race. Couldn’t have been any better, I got a big gain on the front, I was ahead of some of the other top guys, unfortunately they didn’t do as well as they should have done. So I got the points that I needed and that was it!
Second race, I pulled out. I felt I was in the way for the other guys, if I were in their shoes I would be telling me to bugger off!
Yes, I’ve cefinitely won! Even in the medal race I could cruise, but I’m not going to. I’m just going to try and have a good race. There should be a nice breeze, so why not.
It was always the dream to win an Olympic gold medal, and now the dream has come true.
This is pretty special, so another Olympic campaign would be nice. If it’s in kiting then so be it.”
Tomorrow Boards will bring you a run down of the men’s and women’s racing going into the medal race, along with a full interview with Nick Dempsey and coach of Dorian, Aaron McIntosh.
Also tomorrow RS:X will be discussed on the RYA TV Channel, with myself (Amy Carter) and Penny Clark. Tune in tomorrow morning for further info!
Today’s other coverage:
