15 JULY 2025
Jessie Kampman Makes Golden Team Allianz Debut in Los Angeles
Jessie Kampman made a spectacular debut for Team Allianz in Los Angeles, securing victory in Formula Kite at the first international competition held at the future Olympic venue.
Jessie Kampman made a spectacular debut for Team Allianz in Los Angeles, securing victory in Formula Kite at the first international competition held at the future Olympic venue. The 24-year-old Dutch kitefoiler dominated the event from the outset, sealing the overall victory with a day of racing still to come.
The result marked a remarkable return to international competition for Kampman, who had spent more than a year away from racing. It was also her first appearance representing the Netherlands after officially making the switch from the French national team to Team Allianz on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Kampman had built such a commanding lead that the overall victory was already guaranteed before the final day of racing. In doing so, she finished ahead of a world-class field that included reigning Olympic champion Ellie Aldridge of Great Britain, reigning world champion Lauriane Nolot of France and American Formula Kite star Daniela Moroz.
For Kampman, the victory was the perfect start to a new chapter in her career.
“The Dutch programme fits the way I want to develop,” Kampman said.
Her decision to join Team Allianz followed a meeting with national coach Casper Bouman in Fuerteventura. Kampman was particularly attracted to the programme’s philosophy and individual approach.
“The vision, the personal approach and the tailor-made support. It fits the way I want to experience elite sport and achieve my goals.”
The move was driven by ambition rather than disappointment with her previous programme.
“I’m grateful for my time with the French team, but this step and the Dutch approach will help me move forward towards Los Angeles 2028.”
Kampman, who lives in southern France and speaks fluent French and English, has both French and Dutch nationality. Her father is South African and holds a Dutch passport.
Despite the immediate success, Kampman sees her partnership with Team Allianz as a work in progress.
“I’m still developing a lot. But the connection with Casper is good, and the support from Team Allianz, including Annelous Lammerts, already feels familiar. This is only the beginning.”
By the time the final day arrived, Kampman had already done enough to secure the overall win. Her performances had put her clear of some of the biggest names in Formula Kite, underlining the strength of her comeback.
“This is a very good start to our partnership,” Kampman said ahead of the final races. “Today I’m going to enjoy the last three races. After that, we’ll have plenty of input to build on. Together with Casper and the rest of the staff, we’ll continue working in a very focused way.”
The competition also gave Kampman and her team valuable information about where further gains can be made.
“We’ve already discovered a lot of things that can be improved, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. The potential is huge.”
For Kampman, the victory in Los Angeles was more than a successful comeback. It was a statement of intent: after a long absence from international racing and a change of national programme, she had immediately returned to the top of the Formula Kite world — at the very venue where she hopes to compete for Olympic gold in 2028.