Windsurfer Sharon Kantor Returns to Podium After Difficult Year

Olympic silver medalist windsurfer Sharon Kantor secured second place at the World Championships in England on Saturday, finishing just behind teammate Tamar Steinberg. Kantor, who won the world championship in 2024 and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, stated she has "returned to the game" following this latest achievement.

Her season began with a silver medal at the Lanzarote World Cup, but was soon hampered by an ankle injury and a head injury sustained during training. These setbacks caused her to miss the European Championships and led to a significant period away from the water, impacting her professional consistency. Her performance in England demonstrated her return to top form and quality.

The upcoming World Championships in Brazil in late January 2027 will serve as a qualifier for the Olympic Games. Kantor aims to maintain her dominant position within the national team as the competition for the single Olympic spot intensifies.

Reflecting on the championship, Kantor expressed satisfaction with her result, performance, and overall execution. She noted the final race was thrilling and that while she gave her maximum effort, Steinberg ultimately performed better. "I've been injured a few times this year and it hasn't been an easy year, so I'm really happy about this competition," she said, thanking her coach Shahar Tzuberi, assistant coach Od Adar, and her sponsors.

Regarding the intense competition among national teammates, Kantor described it as feeling like another training session, despite occurring at a world championship. She emphasized her drive to win, regardless of who her competitors are. Coach Shahar Tzuberi praised Kantor's performance, highlighting her resilience and ability to climb the rankings after a challenging start to the championship. He noted that while there are still skill gaps to close for the Los Angeles Olympics, her current standing is promising.

Tzuberi also discussed his role in fostering professionalism and systematic work within the team, acknowledging the support from the sailing association and sponsors. He highlighted the team's focus on preparation for the World Championships as a key event and expressed enjoyment in contributing to the program's success.