Windsurfer Bryony Shaw claimed a superb silver medal at the RS:X World Championships in Brazil on Wednesday.

Defending champion Lee Korsitz of Israel won the women’s title but Shaw - who won bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 but was a disappointing 7th at London 2012 - held off the challenge of Maayan Davidovich to take second - her first podium finish at the competition.

Tunbridge Wells-based Shaw (pictured) said: "I’m really happy to come away with silver.

"Last year didn’t work out as I had wanted and it was tough – physically and mentally – so the most important thing for me here is to have had that self-belief grow back inside me again that I do still have it and I can perform on the water."

Shaw is now focusing on the Rio 2016 Olympic Games after windfurfing received a repreive from sailing's world governing body after the initial decision to replace the sport with kiteboarding in Brazil.

The 29-year-old added: "Since windsurfing had its Olympic reprieve I’ve just been super-excited to get back on the board again.

"This week has been really important for me confidence-wise and I’ve showed a few things this week and am developing some real super-strengths."

Hythe windsurfer Elliot Carney won his final race to finish 18th in the men's event - which was won by Brit Nick Dempsey.

The 23-year old (pictured below) who gave up a building apprenticeship to take up the sport again following its reinstatement in the Olympics said he was pleased to do so well.

The victory lifted him five places up the standings and he tweeted: "I finished with a win. They say you are only as good as your last race."

He is due back in England on Friday, before flying out to train in New Zealand next week.

Carney’s 21-year-old sister Claudia finished 31st in the women’s event.

Do you think Shaw can repeat her Beijing medal success in Rio in 2016? Have your say below.