Bontus revives Olympic hopes with medal-winning comeback

Kitesurfing Olympic champion Valentin Bontus has returned to form after missing the entire 2025 season with an injury, winning world championship bronze and European silver. ORF reports that the athlete from Yachtclub Podersdorfer is now preparing for the next Olympic campaign.

Bontus finished third in Mallorca before taking bronze at the world championships in Portugal and silver at the European championships in Turkey. He said he was pleased to build on his form from before his knee injury.

Competition is expected to be fierce, with world champion Max Meder and European champion Gian Stragiotti leading the field. Bontus said he hoped to draw on his experience and confidence, as well as a strong choice of equipment, to contend for a medal.

He has already competed in a test regatta at the Olympic venue in Los Angeles. Preparation is also under way at the Federal Performance Centre in Neusiedl, where Bontus is working on equipment with two-time Olympic champion Roman Hagara. The design of his racing suit, which made a splash in Paris, is being kept secret.

The world championships in Fortaleza, Brazil, in January will be the season’s main event and the first Olympic places will be awarded there. Bontus said his main focus would be to finish in the top eight and secure a place at the Games, while also aiming to win a world title. He plans to rest until early November, then begin intensive preparations and travel to Brazil before Christmas.