Leo Zabell: talent is cultivated
From family regattas to the World Championships in Ibiza. Leo Zabell explains how he combines Wingfoil Racing with the X-15 class and why he prefers to take things one step at a time. Family tradition, ambition and an Olympic dream that looks to the future.
A family legacy
‘Ever since I was a child, I’ve been deeply involved in the world of sailing and have grown up surrounded by people who understand what it means to compete at the highest level, such as my father and my aunt. My aunt Teresa has always been a role model for me, not only because of her two Olympic medals, but because of all the hard work and discipline behind those achievements.
One of the things my family has instilled in me since I was a child is that talent alone isn’t enough: you have to work hard, be consistent and, above all, enjoy the process. Growing up in that environment has helped me develop a competitive mindset from a very young age.”
‘Talent alone is not enough.’
Two ways of competing
“Although the two disciplines have a lot in common, I also see significant differences. In Wingfoil Racing, there’s a lot of equipment development and fine-tuning the gear is crucial, whereas in X-15, as it’s a one-design class, we all compete with the same equipment and tactics, technique and decisions during the race become even more important.
Competing in both disciplines helps me to become a more well-rounded athlete. I’m arriving in Ibiza with high expectations, having won the X-15 Series in Portimão. I’m clear about my goals and really keen to perform at my very best.”
The Olympic dream
“My aim is to go as far as possible and continue competing against the world’s best. I’m young and I’ve still got so much to learn. To be able to take part in the Olympic Games one day and carry on my aunt’s legacy would be a dream, but I prefer to take it step by step, enjoy the journey and make the most of every opportunity. If one day I manage to represent Spain at the Olympic Games, it would be incredible.”
Ángel Medina: from iQFOiL to wingfoil – the challenge of adapting to compete
The switch in discipline presents a technical and physical challenge for Ángel Medina. Coming from iQFOiL, he is tackling his move to Wingfoil Racing with intensive training and the motivation to compete at the highest level at the X-15 World Championships in Ibiza.
A race against time
“Less than two months ago, I decided to start competing in Wingfoil Racing. Since then, I’ve structured my training both on the water and my physical conditioning on land. Unlike iQFOiL, which I’d been competing in, this new discipline requires a lower body weight, much greater aerobic endurance and leg strength, as we spend most of the race paddling to gain an advantage.
I’ve averaged four training sessions on the water and three of physical conditioning over the past few months. What’s more, I’ve just come off the back of finishing fourth in the Spanish senior championships in Torrevieja last week – a race from which I learnt a great deal and which I treated as just another training session, as it was my first wingfoil race.”
Four sessions on the water and three of physical training.
His strengths
“Right now, I consider my strengths to be my fitness and race tactics. Over the past few months, we’ve spent a lot of time in the gym and doing plenty of training races at home with the club team.”
What he expects from the World Championships
“My aim is to give it my all, leave no stone unturned and learn as much as possible. Although I’ve only been on the board for a relatively short time, I’m convinced I can compete at a high level. I’ll also try to learn as much as I can about tuning the equipment, because it looks like this X-15 class will be with us in many championships over the coming years.”
Martín Medina: the pride of competing for Spain and the challenge of mastering the X-15
Representing Spain in an international competition is a special source of motivation for Martín Medina. The young sailor arrives at the World Championships in Ibiza ready to test his skills against the very best and continue to improve in a class where speed, tactical decisions and adapting to the wind are crucial.
Representing Spain
“For me, representing Spain at a World Championship is a source of immense pride. I’m really looking forward to competing against the best from other countries and continuing to learn from them. In the days leading up to the event, I’m really keen to get out on the water, test the conditions and see how I measure up against the others.
There’s always a bit of nerves, but, above all, I can’t wait for it to start.”
The keys to success
“I think everything is important, but above all, knowing how to adapt and make good decisions. In the X-15, we’re all going very fast and any mistake can cause you to lose a lot of places. There’s not much point in being fast if you then don’t choose your line well or make a bad manoeuvre. Whoever is fast and makes the fewest mistakes will be able to finish higher up.”
“Whoever is fast and makes the fewest mistakes will be able to finish higher up.”
Enjoying it and continuing to learn
“My aim is to try and finish as high up the order as possible and, above all, to keep learning in this new class. I know the standard will be very high and it won’t be easy, but I’m raring to do well. I’ll try to give my best in every race and, above all, enjoy myself. I’m sure good things will come of it.”
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