WOMEN WITH WINGS AT THE WORLD GAMES 2022
WOMEN WITH WINGS AT THE WORLD GAMES 2022. With only a few days left until the start of The World Games 2022, a few of the female pilots who will be competing there took the time to tell us their tales.
Ting Yu (TPE) and Ryan Lindsay Lessard (USA) are competing in drone racing, and Jeannie Bartholemew (USA) and Robin Jandle (USA) are canopy pilots. Despite their differences, pilots in both disciplines have a sense of pride, passion, and kinship for their sport.
Ting Yu (also known as Stephanie) and Ryan Lindsay Lessard are both excited and somewhat astonished to be representing their country at this world level of drone racing after having started out as hobbyists.
Just four years ago, Lessard began competing in drone races, and he says, “When I first started drone racing, I would never have anticipated that I would be competing on the world stage.” I have given up a lot for this interest of mine. Teaching full-time in an elementary school may not leave you with much free time, but the sacrifice is well worth it.
Yu is also astounded by her meteoric rise: “Honestly, I’d never envisaged myself being able to represent Chinese Taipei in drone racing, something that began off as a hobby for me.” Playing competitive sports in the past has made it second nature for me to set goals and strive for continuous improvement. When it comes to satisfying my competitive nature, I believe drone racing is the way to go.
Drone racing’s debut as a medal event at The World Games is historic for its pilots. At the FAI F9U level, both sexes are welcome to compete in the same individual rankings. There will be a single-elimination round followed by a double-elimination round, and all 32 pilots (12 female) will take part.
Canopy pilot Robin Jandle has competed at The World Games for much longer, and the sport itself is more well-known. Canopy piloting has been included in Germany’s editions since 2005, and competitors are judged on their speed, accuracy, distance, and freestyle.
Jandle
Jandle, a Hawaiian pilot with 12 years of experience who will represent the United States in 2022, had this to say about the people who have supported her: “I am grateful for my family and friends who have cheered me on throughout the years. Leaving Hawaii was tough, but I’m glad I stuck with it to get here and am committed to reaching my goals in the future. To be a woman and to represent the United States in air sports is a tremendous honour.
All the women who compete in these sports know how tough it can be to be a woman in a traditionally masculine realm, but they value the camaraderie they find among other female athletes. Not only do they encourage one another, but they feel a duty and pleasure to promote their sport to other women.
While female pilots remain a minority in drone racing, Yu says, “I’ve always felt because of that, we’ve been incredibly supportive of one another.” Equally valid is what Robin Jandle has to say: “There are relatively few women in this category, therefore it’s crucial to educate and help others along the road.”
Lessard also emphasises her obligation to introduce other women to her sport, saying, “There’s a considerable responsibility in representing women in FPV on the world stage.” It’s rare to see female racers, either at live events or on television broadcasts, in the male-dominated sport of drone racing. Twelve of us will be competing at the World Games. We’re going to break the stereotype that drone racing is only for boys and guys. They’ll be able to relate to the characters and maybe even be inspired to pick up the transmitter and start learning how to fly.
Jeannie Bartholemew, a canoe pilot, will be performing in honour of a fellow female pilot who will be missing the World Games by doing the Tick Jockey, which is one of her sister’s favourite movements. Can’t wait to share the thrill of canopy flying with the world.
Lessard finds it natural in his teaching role to introduce students to air sports: “My 4th graders adore that I fly drones and are so pleased that I’ll be competing at The World Games.”
Canopy pilots and drone racers alike should use the time to show off their extraordinary abilities to the world at The World Games.