Hackley alumnus Markus Edegran made his debut at the Summer Olympics. He is currently the #4 ranked kite foil sailor in the world. He qualified in January 2024 after nearly 25 years of sailing and six years of dedicated training in kitefoil sailing.
Kite foil sailing, the sport in which Markus excels, combines kiteboarding and foiling. In this water sport, the sailor uses a large kite to harness wind power while riding a board equipped with a hydrofoil, allowing them to glide above the water’s surface as they gain speed.
Markus began his sailing journey at age eight in an Optimist boat and started racing by age 10. After mastering the Opti, he built a strong foundation in traditional sailboats, competing in the 420, FJ, and ILCA classes, and later continued his sailing career with 420s and FJs at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Driven by a passion for speed and high performance, Edegran progressed to sailing 49ers, GC32s, Waszps, and M32s. In 2017, he was selected as a bowman on the AC45 for the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Team.
Markus graduated from Hackley in 2011, he was a three-sport athlete, playing soccer in the fall, squash in the winter, and sailing year-round. After graduation, he committed to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he competed in 12 events, securing a win at the ODU Spring Open, a victory at the Tom Noble Team Race, and a ninth-place finish in a highly competitive A division at the National Semi-finals. His brother, Lukas, a Hackley graduate from the class of 2009, was part of the Naval Academy sailing team with him. In 2013, he transferred from the Naval Academy to Saint Mary’s College in Maryland where he spent the last two years of college and gained many more accolades. He was named to the first team All-MAISA as a coed Skipper he was also named as a part of the MAISA All-Academic Team. He placed second at the Jesuit Open at Fordham, and fourth at Laser South at Navy.
After completing his college sailing career at St. Mary’s, Markus dedicated himself to mastering kite foil sailing. Over the past six years, he has immersed himself in rigorous training and competition, and it has paid off through his qualification for the Summer Olympics this past January. His journey from an Optimist sailor to the #4 ranked kite foil sailor has been long, finally qualifying for the Olympics but there is still more to come.
Markus’ achievements showcase his hard work and determination, but they also reflect the supportive family, coaches, and friends from his years at Hackley that have been so important to his success. His brother, Lukas, and fellow Hackley alumnus have been part of this journey, which shows the strong community that Hackley builds through friendship and community.
Markus prepares to represent not only himself but also the Hackley community and the United States in the Olympics. Markus is pushing the boundaries of kite foil sailing, contributing to the sport’s popularity. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination that a Hackley alumnus builds during their time here.
As the Olympic Games approach, the sailing & Hackley community will be watching Markus Edegran. His journey is a celebration of the spirit of sport, and his achievements will undoubtedly inspire countless Hackley students to chase their dreams on the water and off.
