Lysa Caval, kitefoil champion, talks to us about her 2023: between progress and surprise
If I had to sum up my year 2023 in 2 words, I’d say progress and above all surprise. The beginning of the year was complicated, with very little training because I spent so much time at university. Despite that, I started training again in mid-February and went on a series of sports and university courses. It was intense. I started my season with a senior competition where I didn’t manage to qualify for Gold (top 25 athletes). I was disappointed with this performance, which was due to a number of small mistakes.
European Championship
Then comes the European Youth Championship in May. After a week during which I manage to maintain a 3rd position, unfortunately, I miss my semi-final. I was very stressed, I hadn’t won any heats during the championship, I couldn’t believe it was possible to win one. So, I finish the competition in 5th place. I’m very disappointed. I understand that I need to work on my mental game at all costs. Following this, I continue the rest of the year with many exams; my hard work pays off, I move on to my second year of a Bachelor of Technology. I’m relieved because I know I can manage my dual project.
World Champion under 21
In July, it’s the Youth World Championship. The most important competition of the year for me. For this event, I increased my mental preparation and had many discussions with my coaches. I feel ready with a goal, to achieve a podium finish. Out of 16 heats, I win 6. I become the under 21 World Champion. I did it. What pride! I can show all my loved ones that I’m capable of success, all my efforts pay off. After that, I continue with good performances at the Senior World Championships where I finally enter Gold in 19th position and finish 22nd, and at the European Senior Championships where I enter Gold in 10th position and finish 17th.
Preparation for excellence
These two championships show me that I am capable of achieving very good performances, especially in the qualifications with many heats in the top 10. Now, I need to improve my fleet management to perform in Gold among the Seniors. Train, train, train to reach the level of the professionals. This year I decided to ease off a bit on my studies, in order to focus more on sports. Thanks to these performances, I had the chance to be invited to the Stars of Sport as a Hopeful with my sponsor Théo de Ramecourt, 2021 world champion.
Best Hope
And to top it all off, I was elected Best Hope of the year alongside Basile Bourgnon by the French Sailing Federation, during a ceremony at the Olympia. All of this really motivates me for the year 2024. Now, I need to learn to handle a new source of pressure: staying at the top! In my journey, I’m fortunate to be supported by my partners, especially Titan Engineering. I’ve met the team several times. The energy emitted by the leaders and the team, as well as the company’s values, have pushed me to surpass myself. Thank you!”