Interview: 20-year-old Alexia Kiefer is in the running for the Wave World Champion title

Alexia Kiefer Quintana has developed into a real title contender in the wave over the past two seasons. The 20-year-old athlete, who had never stood on a World Cup podium before 2024, has developed remarkable consistency and has always finished in the top three in the last seven competitions. After her most recent podium finish in Tenerife, she is currently in second place overall and remains in the running for her first world title with two events left in Sylt and Maui.

Interview: Chris Yates

Hi Alexia, in 2022 and 2023 your best finish was sixth place, but last year you took a big step forward by standing on the podium at every event and also finishing on the podium in the overall standings - what do you think were the decisive factors for this big step forward?

Just keep training, stay focussed and never give up. I think that has helped me to take this big step forward and stand on the podium at every competition since last year.

You're currently enjoying another great year, currently in second place overall and having finished on the podium at the last seven events in a row - what's the secret to your consistency and how proud are you of this record?

This year was incredible for me. Up until Tenerife I was in first place in the rankings, tied with Sarah-Quita (Offringa), and that was an incredible feeling. Ever since I started windsurfing, that was my goal and to finally be there was incredible. At the moment I'm in second place and I still have two competitions to go. I'm really looking forward to the events and to giving it my all and trying to move up another place and become world champion.

In Tenerife you were very close to winning the single elimination - were you disappointed that you didn't win, or were you still happy about second place, which is of course another great result...

To be honest, I was a little disappointed to come second in the single elimination. It's a great result, but I know I could have done a lot better. When I came out of the water I was a bit sad because I knew it hadn't been my best heat. I couldn't land a backloop because I was so nervous, even though it's actually my favourite move. But that's part of it and I'll learn from it and try to stay calmer next time I'm in a similar situation.

You describe Tenerife as one of your favourite places - what do you like so much about Tenerife?

Tenerife is without a doubt my favourite place in the world. I love the windsurfing conditions, the incredible waves for surfing and the wind, which is not as strong as in Pozo. I love the atmosphere during the competitions, I love the town of El Médano itself and the island in general because it has so many beautiful places. I am very sure that I will live there when I am older.

You are Sarah-Quita Offringa's closest challenger with two competitions to go - how are you feeling ahead of the next two events on Sylt and Maui?

I'm nervous about the competitions that lie ahead of me, especially Sylt, because you never know what to expect there as the conditions are different every year. But at the same time, I'm looking forward to travelling there and giving it my all.

You had a shoulder injury all summer... Has it improved in the meantime?

I've been struggling with this shoulder injury for quite a long time because it kept coming and going. I only had pain from time to time, but whenever I felt it, it was very severe. I've been to several physiotherapists, but none of them have helped me yet. During the competition in Tenerife, I spoke to Blanca Alabau, who had the same problem as me, and she recommended a physiotherapist in Tenerife who is helping me a lot. So I hope it will be better in a few months.

What other sports and hobbies do you enjoy besides windsurfing?

I love all kinds of water sports, be it surfing, SUP or snorkelling... I'm happiest when I'm by the sea.

Thank you, Alexia. Good luck for the rest of the season.