With Paris 2024 fast approaching, Australian Sailing is excited to introduce you to the next member of the Australian Sailing Team who is set to represent our country at the Games.

From Townsville, Breiana Whitehead is another sailor set to make her Olympic debut, having recently finished fifth at the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships.

We caught up with the Queensland Kiteboarder ahead of the Olympic Games.

Breiana Whitehead CREDIT Sailing Energy 

How did you get into sailing?
I started sailing at about eight or nine years old at my local sailing club, Townsville Yacht Club. I got in a boat and loved the freedom of going around a course by myself.

What do you love about sailing?
Right now I’m loving the speed and the adrenaline of kite’s but I think more generally it’s the friends you make along the way that make it special. Being outside in the fresh air and on the water is also amazing, I love the feeling - it’s really cool.

What’s the best part of the sailing community?
I think it’s that everyone else loves sailing too. You become part of a community that loves racing, especially in the kite’s, you’re a part of a big friendly community that just loves to go fast.

Why should people tune in to watch the sailing at Paris 2024?
Sailing is a technical sport and it can take a little while to get your head around but once you do it’s awesome to watch cause you really can see everything happening at once. There’s always action - you’ll be glued to your seats.

Who have you drawn inspiration from throughout your journey?
I’ve definitely been inspired by a lot of the past Australian Olympic sailors that have come before me. As a country we’ve been so strong for so long and that has really inspired me over the years to want to race for my country.

What does it mean to you to represent your country?
Representing Australia means a lot to me, I’m very proud to be Australian and I just think it’s so cool to be representing my country on the world stage.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about trying sailing?
Definitely give it a go. Head down to your local sailing club or if you want to kite, just do some research on your local school. Enjoy it.

To learn more about Breiana and the other members of the Australian Sailing Team competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, click here.