Finian Maynard claimed a windsurfing world cup slalom title this year, despite recovering from a thigh injury weeks before the event.
While the Virgin Islands cheered on its athletes during the London Olympics, Mr. Maynard was competing against more than 50 windsurfers from around the world.
“I am so pleased with this latest result and I want the good folks back home to know I am flying the flag high with a lot of pride,” Mr. Maynard said.
His victory earned him the ‘King of Fuerteventura’ title in the Professional Windsurfing Association Tour event.
Mr. Maynard moved to the VI at the age of 5. He was first introduced to windsurfing at the age of 7 and by age 15 he was winning international events.
For the past 27 years, Mr. Maynard has been representing the territory at various competitions around the world. He returns home to the VI regularly to train and spend time with his family.
“The BVI is always my home, my people and it’s where I learnt to sail so every time I come home, it just feels so good,” Mr. Maynard said. “I get refreshed before I go back into a very heavy training and competition schedule.”
Mr. Maynard has six world champion speed titles, and in 2004 he set a world record for all sailing vessels in France with an average speed of 46.82 knots in 500 metres. The time beat the sailing craft Yellow Pages Endeavour, which previously held the record for 11 years. One year later, he broke his own record with a speed of 48.70 knots, which stood for four years. His record speeds were recognised by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.
Off the water, Mr. Maynard owns a sail company, Avanti, which he reportedly credited for his recent victory.
He now has his sights set on the World Cup event in Turkey on Aug. 27 to Sept. 1, where he hopes to find a spot on the podium.
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