#KITESURFING - Windsurfers have vowed to battle to overturn the decision to cut their sport from the Olympic Games in 2016 in favour of kitesurfing.
As the Independent reports, kitesurfing has been given two medal events at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, following a mid-term meeting of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in Italy.
"I am raw, sore, and shell-shocked by the decision," said Rory Ramsden, secretary of the RSX board association, who was also said to be rocked by the turning of the tide against windsurfing at the emotionally charged meeting.
Ireland's John Crebbin was among those who gave impassioned speeches in favour of kitesurfing before the board voted 19-17 in favour of the relatively new discipline - a decision strongly supported by the USA, Bulgaria, Greece and even windsurfing stalwarts Spain.
The French contingent, meanwhile, was reportedly "devastated" at the news.
A two-thirds majority would be required by the windsurfing lobby to overturn the decision at the ISAF’s annual general meeting in November.
The Independent has more on the story HERE.
