Ivone Silva, from Canhas in Madeira, secured the junior world paragliding title at the 2nd Junior World Championships of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) in Krusevo, North Macedonia, from August 22 to 30.
Silva, who began flying solo at 18 after growing up watching paragliders from her window, hopes this title will inspire more young people in Portugal to take up the sport.
An athlete with the Jardim da Serra Cultural and Sports Association, she joined the Portuguese Free Flight Federation's Flight Academy in 2025 to prepare for international competitions. Her passion for flying began early, with a tandem flight at 14 and a solo license at 18 in 2020. Her international debut was in Austria in September 2025.
The path to the world title included significant challenges, such as a hip fracture in May that sidelined her for two months. Despite her recovery and adapting to new equipment, her victory exceeded her expectations.