Fifteen-year-old Emilie Wade is carving out her own journey in the world of sailing, drawing inspiration from her uncle, five-time Olympian Tony Philp. Hailing from one of Fiji’s most esteemed sailing families, Wade has been a promising athlete since she first entered the sport.
At just 14, Wade made a significant leap from the Junior Optimist class to windsurfing, eventually embracing the exciting Olympic pathway discipline of iQFoil. Currently, she is competing in the Youth Sailing World Championships in Portugal, an event that is providing her with invaluable international experience.
Wade’s participation in this prestigious competition is made possible through World Sailing’s Emerging Nations Programme, which aims to uplift young sailors from developing countries. She expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It is a really good experience as this is my first international event, as well as my first proper race in iQFoil.”
For Wade, competing in the iQFoil class does not only represent a personal challenge but also honors her family’s sailing legacy. Her participation in Portugal is historic, as it marks the first time in decades that her family has represented Fiji at a world-level sailing event. This achievement not only showcases her talent and dedication but also highlights the potential for future growth and success for young athletes in the sport.
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