BRUNA KAJIYA 2023 WORLD CHAMPION
Bruna Kajiya has done it again, taking her 4th World Championship title in Women’s Freestyle! We dug up some of our favorite photos from the archives and caught up with Bruna to get her take on the past, present, and her future plans…
First off, congrats, Bruna, we’re incredibly proud of you! How does it feel to claim your 4th World Championship title?
It feels amazing, especially the journey to claim it, as I feel that’s what makes it such a special one. My last World Title was in 2017, 6 years ago. Most people didn’t think it would be possible for me to win another one, and that’s what I love about this one. It was an opportunity to open people’s minds and show new possibilities.
What has your training schedule looked like this past year; how have you been looking after yourself, and making sure you’re competing in top form?
My training schedule hasn’t changed much from the past years. I’ve always been very active when it comes to out of the water training, mobility, yoga, etc.
What I did change this year, which was key to my improvement in the water, was to be back on Freestyle gear that allows me to push my riding to where I want it.
It has been great watching you throw it down on the Razor and Livewire Team again this year. How do you feel this year went on tour?
This felt like my year from the beginning of the season, where from my 1st win in January I felt the fire. From there I just built on it, used the momentum, and took advantage from feeling confident in my riding again.
There will always be challenges, but this year, like no other year, I felt capable of dealing with them and growing from them.
A few years wiser, and stronger and more determined than ever, that’s great! What was your favorite trick during the season?
I’d say it is the BS315, a trick that has a special meaning since I was the 1st woman to land a double handlepass when I first did it. This was a mark in my career when it comes to bringing more attention to the performance aspect of female kiteboarding. I haven’t been landing the BS315 since I left Airush, so to get it back this year felt extra special.
Have you noticed the level of women’s riding increase this year over the previous?
Yes for sure, I feel that the female strength in kiteboarding is growing as a whole. It’s amazing to see how women found their way of expression in our sport and are constantly pushing it.
You have been a long-time advocate and role model for female riders and progression. Are you seeing any future athletes getting ready to give you a run for your money?
My main goal as a rider was to grow the presence of women in kiteboarding, to gain more space and open more doors. And today, that’s a reality, you see more and more the professionalization of talented female riders. Although we still have a long way to go, we’ve already come very far.
Love to see it. Where do you think the tour and freestyle competition will go next year?
Freestyle is on a resurge right now and it’s super fun to see it. With the new format for the competitions we are seeing a lot more creativity in freestyle, which brought a lot more possibilities and freshness to the discipline.
What’s next for Bruna Kajiya, another World Title?
I’m now becoming an aunt over the holidays, that’s the next big thing for me this month. Then after, back to training and the pursuit of another World Title. I’m looking forward to exploring my riding and being more creative in this upcoming season…
GKA WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION CROWNED
Words: Caroline Morris
The highlight of the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Qatar at the stunning Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort sees the crowning of the Freestyle Kite World Champions 2023.
Following a remarkable year, Brazilian Bruna Kajiya became the 2023 Qatar Airways GKA Freestyle Kite World Champion after showcasing her talent and sheer determination throughout the year. Having claimed 3 World Champion titles in former years, with the last in 2017, Bruna demonstrated her hunger to claim back the crown. Bruna put her heart and soul into proving that she has what it takes to win her fourth title.
“It feels amazing and really something that I’ve been working hard at for so long and it finally came together. This year has been insane for me and everything I have worked for in the years previous has now been realised this year. I am really truly blessed to share this journey as I think it can inspire a lot of people. I had so many ups and downs and people saw me struggle, but then they saw me fight harder. I think my coming back means that it’s possible for everyone to achieve their dreams and get what they want. It’s really why I do this and I’m super proud to be standing here now”.
Bruna Kajiya, Women’s World Champion 2023
Congratulations Bruna!