Olympic Sailor Francesca Clapcich Sets Sail into Sport Performance Research with Leeds Beckett University

Published: 14 Mar 2025
Italian Olympic sailor, Francesca Clapcich, embarks on a thrilling new voyage, this time off the water, partnering with Leeds Beckett University on sport performance research.

Francesca Clapcich, the ambitious, Italian sailor, famed for her exploits on the Olympic waves, is all set to embark on a journey of a different kind. Turning her focus from the bracing sea winds to the cerebral world of academia, Clapcich has announced her partnership with Leeds Beckett University to explore the tantalising field of sport performance research.

With a decorated career on water which, among other accolades, boasts an impressive Olympic run, it stands to reason that Clapcich’s insights could prove invaluable to enhancing sport performance studies. Her partnership with Leeds Beckett University, a renowned academic institution, is therefore an exciting prospect for sports science.

Sailing away from the traditional course charted by many athletes post-career, Clapcich’s Decision to immerse herself in sport science underscores her commitment to both personal growth and making a positive impact in the sport she so deeply loves. This new academically-inclined direction for her is a testament to Clapcich’s passion for sailing and an indication of her intention to contribute towards the future development of the discipline.

As we watch this Olympic sailor navigate her way through the uncharted territories of the sporting science world, we can’t help but look forward to where this unexpected yet exciting partnership of Francesca Clapcich and Leeds Beckett University will lead.