Mullaloo’s Theresa McKirdy was the only Australian to claim a podium finish at the famed Lighthouse to Leighton race in December.
McKirdy (36) placed third in the women’s division to winner Steph Bridge, from the UK, and runner-up Elena Kalinina, from Russia.
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READ NOWNo Australians featured on the men’s podium, which was topped by Frenchman Nico Parlier.
It was McKirdy’s third attempt at the event, having been kiting for 16 years.
She was the 2015 wave riding State champion and is a former national champion in freestyle and waves.
The fact McKirdy was up against some of the best kiters in the world, including five-time world champion Bridge, amplified her effort in the Lighthouse to Leighton.
Bridge, who won the event for the third straight year, acknowledged the competitiveness of the 2016 race.
“There was so much competition this year; it was a really hard race… it’s been a big achievement to win again,” she said.
Fremantle footballer Nat Fyfe placed 69th in the race.