Words by Peri Roberts
“It was one of the most intense and emotional weeks of my life,” Maddalena says, reflecting on the event held from September 23rd to 28th. “At the beginning, the wind forecast didn’t look very promising, but in the end we had five amazing days of racing with beautiful and challenging conditions. The level of the competition was incredibly high. Every single mistake could cost a lot.”
From the outset, the conditions tested every athlete’s endurance and composure. Maddalena admits that a few early mistakes put her under pressure as the points tightened between second, third and fourth place. “That meant I had to stay completely focused and not make any mistakes,” she explains. “The wind kept shifting direction and strength, which made race strategy really complicated. Choosing the right side of the course and adapting quickly was key.”
The event itself pushed riders to the limit. On the opening day, competitors faced four long-distance races, marking the first time men and women started separately for that format. The next three days brought back-to-back fleet races, with up to eight heats a day depending on wind conditions. Then came the Medal Series – the high-stakes finale where only the top ten riders advanced. “The top two go straight to the final,” Maddalena explains. “The others have to go through quarterfinals and semifinals. This format makes racing really exciting because anyone in the top 10 still has a chance to win the overall event.”
But it was the final day that would define the week, and her career. “At first, there was almost no wind,” she recalls. “In the first race, I couldn’t even finish… only Emilia Costi crossed the line.” For a moment, the dream seemed to slip away. Then, the wind turned. “When the Maestrale strengthened, I found my rhythm again and managed to win the second race with a big comeback on the second lap. That win was enough to secure the World Title. It was a very emotional moment.”
When Maddalena returned to the beach, the crowd erupted. “I was in tears,” she says. “Winning at home in Sardinia made it even more special.”
This victory marks her third world title following the 2022 Wingfoil World Cup and the 2024 Long Distance Wingfoil World Championship. For Maddalena, this one carries extra meaning: “It’s the first Formula Wingfoil World Championship, and to win it at home is a dream come true.”
Behind the glamour of podiums and trophies lies an immense amount of work. Maddalena started wingfoiling in 2021, and since then her dedication has been unwavering. “I train six times a week in the gym, alternating weight sessions, cardio and specific exercises to improve my balance and performance on the wing,” she says. “It takes a lot of work and sacrifice, but training with my brother and the Italian team has helped me push my limits and constantly improve my level.”
That discipline shows; not just in competition, but in how she approaches her craft. “After the win, I feel amazing,” she says. “It’s really a dream come true after so many sacrifices. I feel proud, grateful and motivated for what’s next.”
Her journey isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After a short break, she’ll be heading to the Azores to support her father during the Masters World Championship, then competing in the Italian Olympic Classes Championship in Palermo before flying to Brazil for a month of training and racing.
And through every challenge, Maddalena trusts the gear that keeps her warm, flexible and focused. “My favourite Prolimit product is definitely the wetsuit,” she says. “It’s super flexible and comfortable, perfect for both long training sessions and races.”
From the calm of Sardinia’s bays to the chaos of world-level racing, Maddalena Spanu proves what passion, resilience and hard work can achieve.
Three world titles and counting.
Stay tuned as she continues to chase her dreams across oceans and podiums.
