Emma Plasschaert

Born on November 1, 1993, in Ostend, Belgium, Emma Plasschaert commenced her sailing career in the Optimist class. After five years, she transitioned to the Europe class before moving to the Laser Radial class in 2010. She joined the team associated with Evi Van Acker, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist. Plasschaert began achieving top ten finishes at World Championships in 2013 and 2014, marking her emergence as a competitive sailor on the international stage.

Plasschaert secured her first World Champion title in the Laser Radial class in August 2018, overcoming 2016 Olympic gold medalist Marit Bouwmeester. This was followed by a second World Championship title three years later in 2021. Her Olympic journey includes participation in the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she finished fourth in the Laser Radial Women’s event. She also competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, achieving a 7th place finish in the Women’s Dinghy event. Her Consistent performance at elite levels highlights her dedication and skill in competitive sailing.

Beyond her competitive achievements, Plasschaert was recognized with several awards, including the Young Sailor of the Year award from Belgian Sailing in 2011. She also received the Female Sailor of the Year award from Belgian Sailing in 2013, 2018, and 2019, reflecting her sustained excellence and impact within the sport. In 2023, she married Australian sailor Matthew Wearn, who is also an accomplished athlete. Plasschaert continues to train for future competitions, including upcoming Olympic events, while also promoting sustainability within the sport.