Marseille Marina will always be a special place to Ellie Aldridge.
The idyllic setting on France’s southern coast was the venue where the 28-year-old stormed to a historic Olympic gold in Formula Kite back in 2024.
But the crystal blue waters not only allowed Aldridge to showcase her speed, determination and skill as being better then all before her, it has since given her a stage to fight for causes she cares about.
“In a broad sense, not much has changed in how I live my life [since winning gold],” said Aldridge.
“Sailing and kiteboarding are still fairly small sports, so I haven’t become a celebrity or anything. But I’ve had more opportunities and a bigger platform, which is really cool.
“I’ve learned that I can use this platform to make a difference. There are things I really care about and want to change. I’ve realised that I can voice my opinion and actually make things happen.
“It took a while to adjust to the idea, but I’ve learned that being an Olympic champion gives you a certain influence. People listen to what you say, so you have to be mindful of that.”
One such issue that Aldridge is passionate about is halting the construction of an incinerator in her hometown of Portland in Dorest near the Jurassic Coast.
The project, which has been granted both planning permission and an environmental permit, has faced significant opposition from locals and protest groups due to the effects it could potentially have on the environment and tourism.
Aldridge felt it was duty to use her elevated voice to speak out and hopes to make a difference on the issue.
She continued: I’ve been following the issue for a while, hoping it wouldn’t go through, and this year, it started to gain more attention. That’s when I realised I could help add my voice to the conversation.
“It was a chance to bring more attention to the cause, especially through the media. Being able to get the word out and push back on this is really rewarding. Even if I can’t stop it, at least I know I tried.”
Since beating Lauriane Nolot to top the podium in France last summer, Aldridge has taken some time off from the kiteboarding both to rest and to pursue new opportunities.
One of those was to try her hand at SailGP having joined Emirates GBR in January 2025.
Aldridge joined two-time Olympic champions Hannah Mills’ Athena Pathway squad in Barcelona for the Women’s and Youth America’s Cups.
And through the Athena Pathway, Aldridge had the chance to train on-board the F50 at a number of events this season and believes her Olympic title was the key to unlocking such an experience.
“Joining the Emirates Team was definitely an opportunity I’ve had since winning the Olympics. It might have happened regardless, but I think the Olympic win definitely helped.
“My skills in kiteboarding do translate somewhat to the kind of racing they do, it’s fast-paced, and you have to think quickly. It’s an incredible opportunity, and any sailor in the world would jump at the chance to join a SailGP team.
“For me, I wanted to do as many different things as possible in my "off" year, and this was one of those chances. It’s been amazing, honestly, just being around these incredible sailors and learning to race on these high-speed boats. Every time I get on the boat, it’s insane. There are rock stars everywhere.”
Aldridge explained how she soaked up as much information as possible during her time in SailGP, noting how much Mills had helped her during her career and said she was an individual that inspires her.
“With Hannah, we chat all the time, whether it’s about racing on the F50 or about Olympic campaigning,” said Aldridge. “She’s been through everything, and it’s really nice having someone to talk to who understands what I’m going through.
“She’s also incredibly inspiring, not just as a sailor, but in what she’s done for women’s sailing, like creating the Women’s America’s Cup team. Her journey motivates me to keep pushing forward and to try and make things better for others.”
Just over 12 months on from her historic triumph, the Brit has already set her sights on reaching Los Angeles 2028 and is particularly excited for the Games as the sailing competitions will be hosted close to the rest of the action, with the Port of Los Angeles being confirmed as the venue for the boat events.
“It’s going to be amazing. Normally, we’re kind of isolated from the rest of Team GB, so being in LA, with all the other sports happening around us, will be incredible,” she added.
“It’ll be nice to interact with athletes from other sports and to have them come see sailing. It’s going to make the whole experience much more engaging.
“It’s a long road, though. We still have to qualify, and only one person from each country gets to compete, so that’s the first step, being good enough to get selected. But even getting there would be an amazing achievement. The Olympics have always been a dream.”
Sportsbeat 2025