The 2018 runner-up in the slalom foil world championship surfs under the DSV umbrella in the Olympic windsurfing discipline iQFoil on a special windsurfing board that is lifted by a hydrofoil underneath as the speed increases. In Germany, the athlete competing for the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein is the undisputed number one in his field. Alongside Laser world champion Philipp Buhl and other strong crews, Sebastian Kördel is one of the hopefuls for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in French waters in two years' time.
World class in several disciplines: Sebastian Kördel has his sights set on the Olympics
At the Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt, Sebastian Kördel is currently going "foreign", showing the many spectators and the competition his all-round qualities in another favourite discipline. The 31-year-old speed specialist from Radolfzell is currently in sixth place in the slalom at the Sylt crowd-puller - and thus within striking distance of the top. Click here for the Homepage of the German Surf Summit with information and results.
In Westerland, Olympic candidate Kördel spoke to Bernward Freter (9pm media) about his chances, his new training programme and the Olympic challenge.
You've been on the PWA World Tour for eleven years. How did your Olympic ambitions come about?I took part in the 2021 iQFoil World Championships in Silvaplana and came fourth out of 157 participants. That caught the attention of the organisers. I was accepted into the Olympic squad and of course I want to be there in 2024.
You are currently in sixth place at the Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt. What is the difference between the slalom at the PWA World Tour and the Olympic discipline iQFoil?You definitely have more speed, and the water is sometimes rough. However, it is much more difficult to steer an iQFoil at 25 knots than a foil board in the PWA at a significantly higher speed.
Where do you feel most comfortable?It's hard to say, both formats have their strengths. The clear advantage of the Olympic iQFoil is that all participants ride identical equipment. You can't gain an advantage if you have a lot of money and can afford the latest and best equipment. In iQFoil, only the individual performance of the athlete counts.
"You won't find an event like the Wind Surf World Cup Sylt anywhere else"
What does taking part in the Mercedes-Benz World Cup Sylt mean for you in terms of preparing for the Olympics?The biggest windsurfing event in the world takes place here in Westerland, there is no other event like it anywhere else. The standard is incredibly high and the competitions are tough. You definitely collect valuable skill points, no matter which board you're on.
Do you have fond memories of Sylt?I was runner-up here in 2018 and was level on points with the champion Gonzalo Costa Hövel from Argentina. By the way, he got me into slalom foiling.
Has your training changed since you were nominated for the squad?It has become more intensive and, above all, more analytical. I have my own coach and am accompanied by a boat for every session, sometimes even filmed. Afterwards, everything is analysed and then it's back on the water. I used to train alone or in a group. I was able to improve a few things there too, but this individual coaching is something completely different.
What does the selection process look like, when will the squad for France be nominated?I'm travelling to the World Cup in France in a fortnight' time and of course I want to be one of the front runners again. The final nomination will take place at the end of next year. But I reckon I have a good chance if I stay healthy and injury-free.
What are your hopes for the Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt?I want to finish on the podium again. A win certainly wouldn't hurt with the Olympic nominations.
