Christchurch sailor Emma Wilson scoops fourth at iQFOiL World Championships in Brest, France

There was heartbreak for Christchurch sailor Emma Wilson as she came within an inch of a world championship podium spot.

The Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist windsurfer was competing with a broken toe suffered in training two weeks before the iQFOiL World Championships, held in Brest, France.

A mammoth effort from the 23-year-old saw her go into the medal race series in second overall, tied on points with first-placed Marta Maggetti.

The iQFOiL finals series sees only the top competitor going through to the last round, with the rest of the top 10 fighting it out for the remaining two places.

With the week’s points effectively meaningless once the finals series begins, Wilson was forced to fight it out for a shot at the world title, and was just pipped into fourth.

“It was a big week with many conditions, and I went in to the medal race in second but unfortunately couldn’t keep that colour,” said Wilson, who took silver at the European Championships in May.

“I’m pretty gutted but also pretty proud after breaking my big toe just two weeks before the event during a training session.

Now it’s time to rest and heal the toe. I’m motivated for more next season.”