The kitefoiling competitor represented Great Britain at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Regatta in Palma, Majorca alongside Olympic medallists in the first event of the Los Angeles Olympic cycle.

Sophie also represented Great Britain at the Under-21 Formula Kite European Championships in Italy, finishing 10th.

“Although I am now heading to Argentina and Brazil for my year abroad, I will be taking my kiting and winging kits with me and will be on the water whenever the opportunity arises, keeping up my training on the water and in the gym so that I can resume international competitions on my return,” said the Selwyn College student.

“My aim is to compete at the 2026/27 Senior World and European Championships.

“UCAPP has helped so much in providing invaluable personalised S&C coaching from Luc on a regular basis, with a dedicated gym programme for my training, improving and maintaining my strength and endurance.

“This consistency of training has enabled me to improve and progress at international events – it’s always a great experience to race competitively alongside predominantly full-time kiters.

“I recognised this year how much my gym sessions through UCAPP have helped my performance whilst maintaining a healthy balance with academic life.

“The access to physiotherapy support helped with a double ankle injury sustained during the Princesa Sofia Regatta and enabled me to return to training safely and quickly, for which I am grateful.”