Windsurfing is in Sol Degrieck's blood. Her mother Sigrid Rondelez took part in the Olympic Games three times and came second in the wave riding in Westerland in 1998. The windsurfing discovery of the season talked about her aspirations and her role model Philip Köster in an interview at the Sylt World Cup
When did you start windsurfing?
My mum taught me when I was nine years old. She says that I used to watch her when she was windsurfing and was sad that I couldn't go on the water with her.
What does your everyday life look like?
When the conditions are good, I'm always on the water and training. Windsurfing is my nature, I wouldn't want to do anything else.
What does the school do?
I'm exempt from school for the competitions. I have to study on the beach so that I don't miss out.
You beat Lina Erpenstein on Gran Canaria. Was that your breakthrough?
I will never forget this run. Lina didn't find a wave, I had a great heat and came ninth in my first Women's World Cup. I was runner-up in the junior under-17 category. That was my biggest success so far.
Sylt is a difficult area. How did you prepare?
When my mum told me that I was going to Sylt, I found out about this spot and learnt that there could be very high waves and a heavy shorebreak. And it all turned out that way in the competition. It was something very special for me to be able to surf here on Sylt. I hope the double elimination can still be started.
What else do you need to learn?
I have the front loop in my repertoire and would now like to learn the back loop. The landing doesn't work so well yet. I also need more moves on the wave, such as a 360.
How do you get on with your colleagues, some of whom are much older?
It's very special when you're so much younger than your competitors. But everyone is very nice, gives me lots of tips and encourages me. Lina told me that if I carry on like this, I'll be a serious competitor for everyone. That made me very happy.
Philip Köster also praised you.
That's great, I didn't realise that. Philip is my absolute role model. First it was my mum, now it's him.
What do you do on Sylt when there are no competitions?
I try to relax and listen to music by Johnny Cash. My father used to listen to him all the time and I've adopted that.
Your greatest wish?
I want there to be enough wind for windsurfing every day and I want to become a world champion surfer.
Interview: Act Agency
