Windsurfer Sharon Kantor Returns to Podium After Difficult Year

Israeli windsurfer Sharon Kantor secured a second-place finish at the World Championships in England on Saturday, crossing the finish line behind teammate Tamar Steinberg. This achievement marks Kantor's return to competitive form after what she described as a "not simple" year, characterized by injuries and a lack of consistent training.

Kantor, the reigning Olympic silver medalist and 2024 World Champion, experienced a challenging season following her success in Paris. She began with a silver medal at the Lanzarote World Cup but soon suffered an ankle injury, followed by a head injury during training. These setbacks caused her to miss the European Championships and led to a significant period away from the water, impacting her professional stability.

Despite these obstacles, Kantor's performance in England demonstrated her high level of skill and readiness for upcoming competitions. The next World Championships in Brazil in late January 2027 will serve as a qualifier for the Olympic Games, and Kantor aims to establish herself as the dominant force on the national team as the race for the single Olympic spot intensifies.

Reflecting on the competition, Kantor expressed satisfaction with her result and performance, noting the intensity of the final race. She acknowledged Steinberg's superior performance on the day but emphasized her own progress and the strong preparation leading up to the event. She also thanked her coach, Shahar Tzuberi, assistant coach Odad Osher, and her sponsors.

Kantor commented on the intense internal competition within the Israeli team, noting that three of the four finalists were Israeli. While acknowledging the familiarity of competing against teammates, she stressed her ultimate goal of winning, regardless of the opponent. Coach Tzuberi praised Kantor's resilience and performance, highlighting her strong comeback and readiness for the Los Angeles Olympics, while also noting the need to close existing skill gaps. He also spoke about his role in fostering professionalism and systematic work within the team, emphasizing the support from the national sailing association.