Emma Wilson ecstatic after Olympic windsurfing bronze at Tokyo

Wilson, 22, was pipped to women's RS:X Olympic silver by France's Rio 2016 champion Charline Picon, with China's Lu Yunxiu taking gold.

Going into the medal race, Wilson was assured of bronze at least but Picon spoilt the script by winning the 13th race and with it the silver, Lu close behind in third.

In the Japanese heat and humidity, light winds made it a true physical battle as the athletes pumped their sails to gain speed.

Having given "absolutely everything", Wilson described her medal-winning feeling as "amazing".

She said: "“Those were so physical those conditions. I gave it absolutely everything and, in the end, I came third, but still it was amazing to get a medal and I’m super, super happy.

READ MORE: GB windsurfing legend Bryony Shaw reacts to Emma Wilson's bronze

“My tactics were just to give it absolutely everything and there wasn't too much I could do, as it was a three-way battle so on the second lap, I just emptied my body and I got second in the race and came third overall but I’m super, super happy. 

"I’ve come fourth so many times and it means so much to finally make it to the podium at the Olympics – it’s a good time."

Emma Wilson celebrates her Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 Picture: SAILING ENERGY/WORLD SAILING

Wilson bettered the achievements of her mother, Penny Way, who finished sixth and seventh respectively at Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996.

Wilson added: “My Mum has been a big influence, but also there’s so many other people as well like my coach Barry (Edgington) and my family, his family, my training partners, I mean everyone has just given so much and I just have to thank so many people. The medal’s not just for me but for everyone else as well.

“Crossing the line was amazing, I just enjoyed the moment and you can tell us three were so close even in the medal race so just to get a medal well was amazing. 

"I didn't look back. I knew with the French girl ahead of me, it was whoever beat who, but I mean second in the medal race I couldn't have done much more. I'm so tired now.

“I think of course you want to win a gold medal, but I've got many more years to come so I hope I'll be back, but for now I’m just going to enjoy the moment. Not many people get a medal at the Olympics, so I just have to be so grateful and happy.

“I guess I was just so sick of coming fourth, but I knew what that felt like so it couldn’t get much worse than that. 

"I just keep smiling, enjoying the moment and I didn't feel too much pressure because just to be at the Olympics is amazing. I'm really proud of the way I approached it.

“I know my Mum didn't enjoy the Olympics, so for me to enjoy it was important. I think that she actually had a lot of pressure as she was triple world champion leading into it and that's always going to be hard, but it was just a little annoying coming fourth, so I didn't feel that pressure.

“It's just amazing, I'm super happy. It’s just three years until the next Olympics, so that’s very cool."

Charline Picon, left, Lu Yunxiu, centre, and Emma Wilson, right Picture: SAILING ENERGY/WORLD SAILING

Olympic officials are scrapping the RS:X class in favour of the faster iFoil – and Wilson is keen to get to grips with the new model for a tilt at Paris 2024.

She said: "This winter, windsurfing is out the Olympics, so I have to learn another new category but if I can do that and come back it would be amazing. 

"I do hope to be back, it's going to be weird, but I think the new category will possibly suit me as I’m tall and I think you need to be bigger for the new ones, so that's good for me.

“But for now, I just want to enjoy this, have a rest, and just celebrate this. 

"Now I can go celebrate with the team where we are and I hope some more of the team also get some medals. I’m looking forward to celebrating with them and then when I get home I’ll celebrate with my family and friends. 

"I didn't believe I'd be the first person to get a medal but it's cool and I hope everyone else does well too.”