A young Whistler Sailing Association (WSA) product continues to make a splash in a niche sport dominated by Europeans.
That individual is Valentino Blewett, who recently won gold at the Youth & Junior iQFOiL International Games in Torbole, Italy. Frenchman Brisedou Leopold checked in for silver, and Robin Zeley brought bronze home to Switzerland.
"It's a good start to the U19 season and a good way to compare myself with the people whom I will race with at Worlds," Blewett said. "It went good. I felt good. [I just wanted] to do my best and see how it goes."
The International Games are one of the most prestigious events on the international youth iQFOiL windsurfing circuit, just a notch below the U19 World Championship with many of the same people in contention. Athletes from across the globe represent countries with top-tier programs. The competition is physically demanding, mentally intense and tactical, with success requiring optimal fitness, equipment, wind strategy as well as mindset.
If you reach the podium at this level, it means you're one of the world's best young windsurfers.
Blewett is entrenching himself into that category as he displayed poise and skill to qualify for the finals in first place. As a result, he avoided a dramatic semifinal round with three competitors being penalized for false starts.
"We're incredibly proud of Valentino," said WSA general manager Francois Hebert. "His win at the Youth & Junior iQFOiL International Games is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and determination. At Whistler Sailing, we've watched him evolve from a promising junior into a world-class athlete. It's inspiring to see him continue to elevate his performance."
'Intensely focused and quietly driven'
In 2024, Blewett placed 11th at the iQFOIL Youth & Junior World Championships as a 16-year-old in a show of his nascent potential. He's been hitting the gym hard since then, and feels like he's grown "a lot."
Hebert would agree.
"Advancing from 11th to 1st in just a year demonstrates remarkable progression and commitment. While the field may not be quite as strong, it's essentially the same group of competitors," he explained. "This improvement indicates that Valentino's training is effective and that he's learning from each race. More importantly, it reflects his mindset: he's not just participating; he's striving to improve at every level.
"This result bodes extremely well for his future, as Valentino aims to represent Canada at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles."
If Blewett does make it to sport's grandest stage, he would be carrying on his father's legacy in outstanding fashion. Curtis Blewett is a decorated Canadian sailor whose extensive achievements include: two America's Cup wins in 2003 and 2007 with Team Alinghi, victory in the 1997/98 Whitbread Round the World Race (now the Volvo Ocean Race) with Paul Cayard, membership in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" crew in 2005/06 and a 2013 stint with Swedish unit Artemis Racing.
Blewett inherited his dad's work ethic and is known for his volunteer hours with the WSA, repairing boats and contributing to various projects. Hebert praises him for being "a tremendous help to me personally during a key phase of our growth."
"Valentino is intensely focused and quietly driven. He possesses a rare combination of athletic talent, mental composure, and a relentless curiosity about the sport," Hebert said. "Coming from a sailing family, he's benefited from early exposure, excellent mentorship, and a deep understanding of the sport's nuances.
"However, his success stems from his own passion and work ethic. The family foundation provided a base, but he's the one pushing it to world-class heights. Talent can only take you so far; ultimately, hard work is essential to succeed at this level."
Full results from the Youth & Junior iQFOiL International Games are viewable here.
