Gisela Pulido, the queen of kitesurfing, qualifies for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Spain's Gisela Pulido has achieved a historic qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the Formula Kite event, one of the newest additions to the Olympic sailing program. Pulido, a ten-time world champion in freestyle kitesurfing, has demonstrated her adaptability and talent in this discipline that combines speed, technique, and strategy.

The qualifying round was decided at the Formula Kite European Championship, held in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, from September 18 to 23. Pulido finished fifth overall in the women's standings, the first European and the second-highest ranked among the nations that had not yet secured an Olympic spot. The championship winner was American Daniela Moroz, followed by China's Jingle Chen and Russia's Elena Kalinina.

Pulido expressed his joy and pride in this achievement, which represents a milestone in his sporting career. "I'm very happy to have qualified for the Olympic Games. It's been a goal I've set for myself since I learned that Formula Kite was going to be an Olympic sport. It's been a tough road, with many sacrifices and hard work, but it's been worth it. I want to thank my family, my team, my sponsors, and everyone who has supported me in this dream," he said.

Pulido highlighted the level and competitiveness of this championship, which brought together more than 100 sailors from 29 countries. “It was a very tough week, the conditions weren't favorable, and the fight for an Olympic spot was very difficult. But today I went all out and was convinced I could win. I gave it my all, and in the end, we achieved our goal: we're off to Paris!”

The Spaniard has assured that she will continue training hard to arrive in the best possible condition for the Olympic Games, where she hopes to be among the medal contenders. "I know I still have a lot of room for improvement and that I have to keep learning and progressing. My goal is to be among the best in the world and fight for the podium in Paris. I know it's a very difficult challenge, but I also know that with hard work, enthusiasm, and passion, great things can be achieved," she concluded.

In addition to Pulido, four other Spaniards participated in the Formula Kite European Championship: Bernat Cortés (19th), Alejandro Climent (32nd), Jacobo Espí (42nd), and Carlos Espí (51st). The men's winner was Frenchman Axel Mazella, followed by Briton Connor Bainbridge and Italian Toni Vodisek.