Fickle winds scuttle medal races again, now in the biggest, most diverse Olympic sailing class

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Fickle winds in Marseille have altered the sailing schedule for the 2024 Olympics for the second time, forcing the postponement of the medal races for one-person dinghies on Tuesday.

Organizers are hoping to run the men's and women's races on Wednesday instead.

Through nine grueling regattas for the biggest and most diverse sailing class for the Games — some also postponed and even abandoned in the light winds and high heat — Marit Bouwmeester, 36, of the Netherlands has enough of a lead that she just needs to complete the medal race to win gold. Anne-Marie Rindom, 33, also has a firm grip on the second spot.

The men’s dinghy medal race is still competitive. Matt Wearn, of Australia, the 28-year-old reigning Olympic champion, is in front.

After waiting for a few hours out in the water for the medal race to begin, Rindom said she was disappointed for the fans.

“I feel it's unfortunate for the spectators,” she said. “I hope they will come again.”

About three dozen fans from her home sailing club in Horsens, Denmark, are in Marseille to cheer her on.

“I’m really proud. Anne-Marie has been a big mentor and inspiration,” said Christian Winker, 23, who sailed with her in Horsens. “I feel like everybody knows Anne-Marie even if they know nothing about sailing.”

Rindom first competed in the 2012 Olympics, and she won bronze in 2016 and gold in Tokyo. But she still felt Marseille was “a really tricky racecourse,” especially in the blistering heat.

Bouwmeester won silver in this class of sailing in London in 2012, followed by gold in Rio and bronze in Tokyo. This is her first Olympics as a mother — her 2-year-old daughter, Jessie Mae, has become a companion for training.

Jessie greeted Bouwmeester with a hug, and they shared a popsicle on the beach after Monday’s race.

Hours before the race was called off, Wearn's parents, Brad and Karen Wearn, went to the beach to briefly speak with him — a special treat since the COVID-19 pandemic prevented spectators from joining the Games in Tokyo.

“We’ve got his back,” a visibly moved Karen Wearn said.

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands celebrates with her daughter Jessie Mae after competing in ILCA 6 dinghy class racing during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands celebrates by sharing a treat with her daughter Jessie Mae after competing in ILCA 6 dinghy class racing during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands celebrates with her daughter Jessie Mae after competing in ILCA 6 dinghy class racing during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands celebrates with her daughter Jessie Mae after competing in ILCA 6 dinghy class racing during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands shelters against the sun with an umbrella as she waits with others for the start of the ILCA 6 dinghy class final race during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands moves to the race court prior the start of the ILCA 6 dinghy class final race during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands shelters against the sun with an umbrella as she waits with others for the start of the ILCA 6 dinghy class final race during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Elena Vorobeva of Croatia, right, talks to her coach as they wait for the start of the ILCA 6 dinghy class final race during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

A fleet of boats compete in the 470 mixed dinghy race during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Anne-Marie Rindom of Denmark, right, and Line Flem Hoest of Norway sail back to the harbour after ILCA 6 dinghy class final race was postponed during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands sails back to the harbour after ILCA 6 dinghy class final race was postponed during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands sails back to the harbour after ILCA 6 dinghy class final race was postponed during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

LONDON (AP) — Kate, the Princess of Wales, has completed chemotherapy and will make some public appearances in the coming months, bolstering Britain’s royal family after it was rocked by the twin cancer diagnoses of the princess and King Charles III.

The 42-year-old wife of Prince William released a video Monday in which she appeared alongside her husband and children as she described how difficult the past nine months have been for her family and expressed “relief” at completing her course of treatment.

“Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,’’ she said in the video, which was shot in a woodland near the family’s summer home in Norfolk. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”

The royal family has been buffeted by health concerns this year, beginning with the announcement in January that the king would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate and Kate would undergo abdominal surgery. In February, Buckingham Palace announced Charles was receiving treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Six weeks later, Kate said she, too, was undergoing treatment for cancer, quieting the relentless speculation about her condition that had circulated on social media since her surgery.

While the announcements triggered an outpouring of good wishes for the ailing royals, they also put the royal family under tremendous pressure. Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, the king’s sister, took on additional duties to cover the seemingly endless list of public events that make up the daily routine of the House of Windsor. William also took time off to support his wife and their three young children.

Charles began his return to public duties in late April when he visited a cancer treatment center in London. He is scheduled to make the first long-haul trip since his diagnosis when he travels to Australia and Samoa in the fall.

Kate said Monday that while she had completed her chemotherapy treatment, the path to full recovery would be long and she would “take each day as it comes.”

“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time,” she said. “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”

In June, the princess acknowledged that she had good days and bad days while undergoing treatment.

While she stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate has made two appearances this year. First, during the king’s birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and most recently during the men’s final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation.

“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey — I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand,” Kate said Monday.

“Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless and Brian Melley contributed to this report.

FILE - Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales smiles as she speaks to a woman during her visit to Sebby's Corner in north London on Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool, File)

This photo provided by Kensington Palace on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, shows Kate, Princess of Wales. (Will Warr/Kensington Palace via AP)

This photo provided by Kensington Palace on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, shows Kate, Princess of Wales and Prince William with their children Prince George, right, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, left. (Will Warr/Kensington Palace via AP)

FILE - Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales arrive for the Royal Ascot horse racing meeting, at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England, June 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

FILE - Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales waits to present the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain after he defeated Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)