Annelous Lammerts: Steering The Course

It was that mentality that drove 12-year-old Annelous to cycle two hours through the Dutch countryside for a single kiteboarding session.

One of five children, she worked part-time at a local kiteshop to fund her passion.

“Thirteen years has flown by,” said Lammerts. “I started at home in the south of the Netherlands. My friends were doing it and from the first moment I flew a kite, I was addicted to the wind.

“Whenever it was windy, you could find me on the water.”

 

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That philosophy has underpinned a remarkable career that has brought world and European titles across disciplines – a legend of the game.

She reflects: “I have had so many good moments, travelling around the world with friends, along with big achievements that I will always remember. 

“But achievements are fun but the whole experience of kiting every day has been the best.” 

Perspective and persistence helped her lean into the challenge of Formula Kite, the new Olympic discipline for Paris 2024, and chase the Olympic dream through a global pandemic.

“You don’t have to doubt too much, it’s fun to try something,” she said.

“Even if you have a big goal and it doesn’t work out, you will have a fun experience trying to go for it. 

“In the end, we spend every day out on the water, we have sunshine most of the time so it’s really fun to be out on the water with a good group of people.”

Lammerts excelled on home waters in Almere at the Allianz Regatta and led by 30 points heading into the medal races. 

 

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Her next challenge comes at the Allianz Sailing World Championships at Scheveningen, her home spot. 

The stakes couldn’t be higher – with the top eight nations getting tickets to the Games – but no prizes for guessing how she’ll approach the big one.

“It’s unique to have the two big events at home in the Netherlands,” she said.

“We have been spending a lot of time in Scheveningen, it’s going to be the biggest event of the year. 

“This is a really good lead-up to that, we want to get a lot of races in and I’m looking forward to trying to qualify there at home. 

“It would be a dream for sure and a big party for friends and family at home on the beach. We’ll go for it.”