Olympian Bryony Shaw said this week's ‘spectacular’ performances by the windsurfing fleets had proved the sports Olympic worth.

The Weymouth star told of the ‘shock and devastation’ the decision to drop RS:X racing from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games had caused to the windsurfing community.

Shaw said she still hoped that the decision could be revoked at the next International Sailing Federation (ISAF) meeting in November.

The Beijing bronze medallist said: “I'm obviously still hoping. The windsurfers put on a great show this week, we’ve shown we’re one of the more spectacular classes to watch.

“You can see how physical it is with the cameras on us and the trail lines we produce for the helicopter shots, I don’t think you’ll get the same visual image from kiting.

“Windsurfing and the 49er classes are the most visual sailing classes, it would be a huge loss if windsurfing doesn’t stay in the Games.”

She added: “The RS:X class have put together a strong case, hopefully that will come through and show windsurfing is worthy as a sport in the Games.

“I was shocked and devastated to hear of the decision, I couldn’t believe it, it’s a blow to the windsurfing community.”

DEMPSEY: ‘I’ve ordered SOME kites’

RS:X WINDSURFING has been replaced by kiteboarding in the 2016 Games line up, following a decision by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

Dempsey said he thought ‘windsurfing could still be saved’ as a legal battle was now underway and a vote at the next ISAF meeting in November could revoke the earlier decision.

Dempsey, who has ‘already ordered some kites’ said: “This is a moment for reflection but I’m pretty sure this is not the end of the road.”

He admitted that although he owed his wife Sarah Ayton his success for looking after the family while he concentrated on his quest for Olympic glory, he was not sure he could do the same for her.

Dempsey said: “Sarah’s a better parent than me, she’s far better at looking after the kids than I am, I don’t fancy being a full-time dad.

“Being a full-time mum is insanely hard, I don’t know how she does it, I couldn't be a single parent.”