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2010 Sydney Schoolgirls’ Get Active Breakfast FORMULA WINDSURFING WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR 2009Sunday, 20 Sep, 2009
In the lead going into the final day of racing, the four time Formula Windsurfing World Champion, had to wait out an intense day on the beach to see whether the light and unstable winds would co-operate sufficiently for the race organizers to be able to set a course. With the 5.00pm conclusion deadline looming and certain victory for Shreeve, the race committee sent the men's and women's fleets onto the water to squeeze in one final race. The Polish champion, Marta Hlavaty was able to do enough to win the final race in a close finish to even up the points on the score card. With both women now sharing equal points at the end of competition, the count back system came into effect with the Championship going to whoever had the best discards. With Shreeve and Hlavaty however both discarding a 2nd place, the count back then applied to the next drop, and that honour went to Hlavaty. Morane Demant of France finished in 3rd place overall. "It's been one incredibly tough week of racing and of course I'm disappointed to miss out in that way, I'm really happy with my new Gaastra equipment though." said Shreeve.
Shreeve got off to a great start winning the first race of the championships and was feeling confident, but back at the shore she cut a nasty 10cm gash into the shin on her left leg with her fin. With a doctor among the spectators and ambulance crew on stand by, four large metal staples were injected into the wound to hold the gaping flesh together, so Shreeve was able to get back out on the water in time for the second race. Doctors were then able to stitch the wound properly with 10 stitches, and with daily treatment, Shreeve 'dug deep' to finish out the week of intense racing in conditions ranging from light to 30 knot winds. "It was an accident and I make no excuses. I'm happy with the way I raced. It would have been nice though to compete without the pain!" joked Shreeve. "Apparently according to most men 'chicks dig scars', but of course the scars are supposed to be on the men! My souvenir from this year's World Championships may well be the envy of most Aussie men when I get home!"¯ By contrast, in the men's fleet, Steve Allen of Australia was actually hoping for one more race going into the final day of the competition being in 2nd position overall. In fine form, Allen rose to the occasion and was able to convincingly beat Woijek Brzowski of Poland knocking him out of 1st position, and securing for himself the title of 2009 Formula Windsurfing World Champion.
Shreeve will return home to Australia immediately to fulfill speaking engagements and to have a well-earned rest. "Thanks to those who supported me this year, Gaastra, Club Marine and Jesus 'all about life'." Photos and more information can be found at http://www.formulawindsurfing.org/, or Facebook - Allison Shreeve. Youtube videos of event here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXPiY4oHX5k http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37KjMf5QnVs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmV4ZukV-ms |
