Barbara Kendall

Barbara Kendall was born in Whangarei, New Zealand, in 1967. Surfing at the age of 8 and progressing to windsurfing by 11 she was always a talented water sports woman. She started sailing competitively in 1984 at the age of 17, and by 1987 had won her first world championship. In the years that followed, she would go on to win a total of four world championships in the Mistral class, and represented New Zealand at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics.

Olympic success

At the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Kendall was one of the favorites to win the gold medal in the women's Mistral One Design event. She lived up to the expectations, winning the gold with relative ease. She was the only woman to have won an Olympic Gold Medal in windsurfing.

Post-Olympic career

After her Olympic victory, Kendall continued to compete in windsurfing for several more years. She won a silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and finished fourth at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. She retired from competition in 2004 after winning her fourth world championship. Many thought she was sailing at her peak performance so her retirement was met with sadness by fans.

Legacy

Barbara Kendall is one of New Zealand's most successful sailors. She is an inspiration to young people around the world, and she has helped to promote the sport of windsurfing. She continues to be a role model for children, and she has served as a sailing coach and commentator. She has been inducted to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. She is one of only four women who have won four or more world titles in any discipline. She is a true legend of the sport.

Personal life

Barbara Kendall is married to Mark Kendall. She has three children and lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Barbara enjoys water sports, cycling and snowboarding. She also enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.