Australia’s Rudi Browning has been crowned the overall champion at the World Drone Racing Championships in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
Key points:
The teenager has received a US$24,000 cheque as a prize
The championship was watched by more than 10,000 people
Australia’s team also won the gold as the best overall team
The 15-year-old beat over 127 other competitors of all ages from across the world to clinch the title as the four-day championship came to a close on Sunday.
Event organisers the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), also known as the World Air Sports Federation, said Browning will take home a US$24,000 ($33,350) winner’s cheque, along with his gold medal.
Browning took out the final in front of more than 10,000 drone-mad fans at the Shenzhen Universiade Centre Stadium, according to Chinese state media agency Xinhua.
“I dreamed of this, and it is incredible that it has come true. I couldn’t be happier,”
Browning said after his victory.
“I’m still shaking actually.”
Australia also took out the team title, beating Sweden and South Korea who received silver and bronze medals respectively.
“I’m very proud of the boys,” Australia’s team manager David Crepaldi said.
“The team pulled together and everyone played their part.”
Wanraya Wannapong, an 11-year-old racer from Thailand, took out the top women’s prize at the event, competing against 13 other women.
“I loved this track a lot. I liked flying it at night, it was a lot of fun,” she said after her win.
Susanne Schodel, secretary general of the FAI, said the championship was a resounding success and showcased the best that drone racing has to offer.
Drones have become extremely popular worldwide, with estimates that in Australia alone there are up to 150,000.
