Barbara Kendall was born on August 30, 1967, in New Zealand. She grew up in a family of sailors, with her brother Bruce Kendall being a two-time Olympic medalist in sailing. As a child, she was exposed to the sport of boardsailing and quickly developed a passion for it.
Kendall attended Macleans College in Bucklands Beach, Auckland. It was during her time in college that she began to excel in boardsailing and started to compete professionally.
Kendall's Olympic journey began in 1992 when she won gold at the Barcelona Olympics. She followed this up with a silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and a bronze in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Her accomplishments made her a celebrated figure in the world of boardsailing.
After retiring from competitive boardsailing, Kendall continued to stay involved in the sport. She became a member of the International Olympic Committee, where she worked to promote the Olympic values and support athletes around the world.
In recognition of her contributions to the sport, Kendall was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1993. This honor placed her in the company of other notable figures, such as John Lennon who received the same honor in 1965.
Barbara Kendall's impact on the world of boardsailing cannot be overstated. Her Olympic success, commitment to the sport, and dedication to supporting athletes have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest boardsailors of all time.