iQFOiL Youth & Junior World Championships
After a week of anticipation, fierce competition and weather delays, Brest delivered on the final day of the 2025 iQFOiL Youth & Junior World Championships. Westerly winds swept across the bay, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion as four new World Champions were crowned with a very participated prize-giving ceremony.
In the U19 Women’s fleet, Italy’s Medea Falcioni (ITA 57) rose to the occasion when it mattered most. After a rocky start In the Grand Final, Falcioni found her form in the third attempt, crossing the line first and clinching the World Championship title.
Fellow Italian athlete Francesca Salerno (ITA 9) finished second overall, followed by Nurhayat Güven (TUR 1030), who impressed by advancing all the way from the quarterfinal.
The U19 Men’s category saw another epic showdown. Turkey’s Artun Senol (TUR 2008) charged through the quarter and semi-finals, grabbing a win in the first Grand Final. But it was Australia’s Rory Meehan (AUS 3) who ultimately found the consistency to secure two victories and seal the World Championship title.
Artun Senol (TUR 2008) took silver, with Italy’s Mattia Saoncella (ITA 830), who got into the Grand Final as leader, rounding off the podium in third.
Perhaps the most surprising story came from the U17 Girls, where Thea Le Borgne Zibetti (FRA 218) made a sensational comeback. She was 10th overall last night, but she was given a last-minute 8th spot in the Medal Series due to technical penalties affecting other racers. She made the most of the opportunity, winning the Quarterfinal, placing second in the Semifinal, and taking the only Grand Final win before racing was called off due to dropping wind.
The silver medal went to Naama Palatnik (ISR 890) and the bronze to Parla Kabasakal (TUR 3504).
The U17 Boys finals were a masterclass from Merlijn Boswijk (NED 244). Starting in the semifinal, he stormed through the rounds, winning both Grand Final races to leapfrog his teammates Peyton Dits (NED 241) and Finn Brull (NED 731), and claim the top spot.
The Nations Trophy added an extra layer of excitement to the event. With multiple strong performances across categories, Italy took home the Nations title. Turkey followed closely in second, and France, the host nation, completed the podium in third.
U19 Women – Podium
1. Medea Falcioni (ITA 57)
2. Francesca Salerno (ITA 9)
3. Nurhayat Güven (TUR 1030)
U19 Men – Podium
1. Rory Meehan (AUS 3)
2. Artun Senol (TUR 2008)
3. Mattia Saoncella (ITA 830)
U17 Girls – Top 8
1. Théa Le Borgne Zibetti (FRA 218)
2. Naama Palatnik (ISR 890)
3. Parla Kabasakal (TUR 3504)
U17 Boys – Podium
1. Merlijn Boswijk (NED 244)
2. Peyton Dits (NED 241)
3. Finn Brull (NED 731)
