Tommy Borgi has secured the U16 Boys world title at the GKA Youth Twintip World Championships in St. Peter-Ording, Germany. The 14-year-old rider earned the victory during an event that tested the fleet with a new multi-discipline format and shifting North Sea wind.
The 2026 championships hosted 61 young athletes representing 18 different nations. Competition was staged under a revised format that required riders to perform across Big Air, Airstyle, and Freestyle disciplines.
Strategic gear changes in St. Peter-Ording
Borgi relied on the 12m² Ozone Vortex V2 for the majority of the event. However, as the wind became increasingly unstable leading into the final, he made a critical adjustment, switching to a 13m² Mach1. The move proved successful, allowing him to navigate the difficult conditions and clinch the U16 championship.
The win marks a rapid rise for the young athlete, who transitioned from a beginner to a world champion in just five years. Borgi, who rides custom-colored Vortex V2 kites, has already set his sights on the senior professional ranks.
For Tommy, the result marks another step in a rapid progression from beginner to world champion in five years.
Podium finish for Maja Ceran
In the U19 Girls division, Maja Ceran took second place. Facing strong winds that challenged the freestyle specialists, Ceran noted that landing tricks in such high-pressure conditions felt like a significant personal achievement. She stated that she had never performed freestyle in wind that strong before, gaining experience that will serve her in future GKA campaigns.
Future ambitions
Following his success in Germany, Borgi confirmed his ultimate career objective is to compete in and win the Red Bull King of the Air. Having now mastered the youth circuit's multi-discipline format, the focus for the new U16 champion shifts toward the specialized Big Air arena.
While the youth event in St. Peter-Ording utilized a mix of styles, the progression of riders like Borgi and Ceran into high-wind environments highlights the increasing technical level of the next generation of competitors.
Technical Setup
- Tommy Borgi: Ozone Vortex V2 (12m²), Ozone Mach1 (13m²)
- Format: Combined Big Air, Airstyle, and Freestyle
- Location: St. Peter-Ording, Germany
- Field: 61 riders from 18 nations
