Joan Cardona / Nicole van der Velden

Joan Cardona is an Olympic medallist reinventing himself in a new class. The Menorcan won Finn-class bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and after the Finn left the Games program he switched to the Nacra 17.

Teaming with Nicole van der Velden for a Los Angeles 2028 campaign, he has openly relished the new challenge of mixed-crew sailing.

The pair pushed into the top ten at the 2026 World Championship in Quiberon.

Nicole van der Velden brings genuine Olympic catamaran experience to her partnership with Joan Cardona, having raced the Nacra 17 at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Reunited with the class alongside the Tokyo Finn medallist, she helped the Spanish crew break into the top ten at the 2026 World Championship in Quiberon.

Van der Velden and Cardona are an intriguing blend of Olympic pedigree aiming for LA 2028.