Surf en los Juegos Olímpicos de París 2024: Lo Mejor de Teahupo’o, Medallistas y Momentos Inolvidables

Surfing at the 2024 Paris Olympics | Part 1

August 23, 2024

The Best of Teahupo'o, Medalists, and Unforgettable Moments | First Part

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have left an indelible mark on surfing history, cementing the sport as one of the most exciting and spectacular in the world. Held on the legendary Teahupo'o wave in Tahiti, Olympic surfing offered unforgettable moments, from the technical skill and courage of the competitors to the rich Polynesian culture that permeated every aspect of the competition. This article takes you on a tour of the highlights of these Games, exploring everything from the stunning natural beauty of the venue to the performances of the athletes who made history in the water.

The Venue and the Olympic Village

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be remembered not only for their impeccable organization, but also for the magic of the venue that hosted the surfing competition. The Olympic Village, located in Tahiti, provided the athletes with an idyllic setting and total immersion in Polynesian culture. Built with a focus on sustainability and integration with the natural environment, this village offered the surfers a temporary home surrounded by lush vegetation, spectacular beaches, and the waves that would star in the competition.

In an innovative move, the organizers transformed the Aranui 5, a vessel traditionally used as a cargo and cruise ship, into a luxurious floating accommodation for the surfers. This vessel, which was anchored near Teahupo'o, offered the athletes the unique opportunity to stay in a comfortable environment close to the competition venue.

The Aranui 5 was carefully adapted to meet the athletes' needs, with top-notch facilities including relaxation areas, gyms, and recovery spaces. This proximity to the event not only allowed competitors to reduce travel time but also gave them the opportunity to connect more deeply with Tahiti's natural environment. The choice of a ship as the Olympic Village was not only an effective logistical solution but also a nod to the adventurous nature of surfing, integrating life at sea with competition on the waves.

Olympic Village | Photo: Pablo Franco

Ceremonies

Rāhiri

The Rāhiri ceremony is a time-honored tradition in Polynesian culture , performed to establish peace and order before important events. During the Olympic Games, this ceremony was used to honor surfing's past and promote respect and fair play among competitors. During the ceremony, athletes, along with local dignitaries, placed banana leaves in a container, symbolizing their acceptance of the rules of the competition and inviting the spirits of their ancestors to guide them through the event. This act of unity and respect was represented in a bundle left on the beach at Teahupo'o, where the competition was held.

Water Ceremony

The Water Ceremony pays homage to the deep connection between Tahitians and the ocean. In a poignant moment, water from around the world was poured into the waters of Teahupo'o, symbolizing the athletes' unity and the importance of water as a vital element in surfing and Polynesian life. This type of ceremony highlights the connection between participants and nature, especially in a setting as rich in symbolism as Tahiti.

Sand Ceremony

The Sand Ceremony is a tradition established by the International Surfing Association ( ISA ) that holds a profound symbolism of unity and peace. In this ceremony, each surfer brings sand from their home beach and pours it into a shared container. The various sands, of different colors and textures, are mixed together to represent the diversity of athletes and the solidarity between nations through sport. In the context of the Olympic Games in Teahupo'o, this ceremony also underscored the importance of respect for the ocean and unity in competition.

These ceremonies not only celebrated the start of the competition, but also highlighted the deep connection between the sport of surfing and Tahiti's cultural traditions, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance and the global audience.

The Wave

Teahupo'o , the mythical wave, was at the heart of the surfing competition at Paris 2024. Known for being one of the most dangerous and spectacular waves in the world, Teahupo'o proved to be a formidable challenge for Olympic surfers. Its enormous barrels, which can reach heights of up to 10 meters, tested the skill, courage, and endurance of the competitors. The Teahupo'o wave, formed by the sharp coral reef and its powerful surf, was unforgiving, but also rewarded those who knew how to master it with precision. This natural setting, with its mix of beauty and danger, made the surfing competitions at Paris 2024 an unforgettable spectacle and a true tribute to the spirit of surfing.

Hello Teahupoo | Photo: Pablo Jimenez

Fan Passion at Teahupo'o

Surfing, more than a sport, is a global community that unites around the waves and the spirit of Aloha. During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Teahupoo, this community was vibrant and passionate, creating a unique atmosphere that elevated the competition to new heights. Spectators, both local and international, played a crucial role in the event's success, showing unwavering support for the athletes.

From the shores of Tahiti to the boats anchored near the break, the fans' enthusiasm was palpable. Entire families, from children to grandparents, waved flags and chanted the names of their favorite surfers, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with every wave. Images captured moments of pure euphoria, with fans celebrating every successful maneuver and encouraging the surfers to overcome the challenges of Teahupo'o.

Particularly moving was the support of the local communities, who not only cheered on the competitors but also shared their rich Polynesian culture with visitors from around the world. The presence of flags, both from competing nations and the iconic Tahitian flag, underscored the unity and mutual respect among participants and spectators.

Support for the athletes didn't just come from the crowd on land. On the water, boats packed with fans closely followed each heat, offering close and constant support. On these boats, groups of friends and families thrilled to every action on the water, sharing the excitement and tension of the competition from the front row.

The spectator segment not only reflected the love for surfing, but also the importance of community support in the culture of the sport. This festive and supportive atmosphere was undoubtedly a motivating factor for the athletes, who felt the support of the crowd at every critical moment of the competition.

This popular fervor not only boosted the surfers' performances but also reaffirmed the intrinsic connection between surfing and the surrounding community, making the Paris 2024 Olympic Games an unforgettable event both in and out of the water.

Fan Passion at Teahupoo | Photo: Beatriz Ryder

The Revelation Surfers

Alonso Correa

This young Peruvian surfer was undoubtedly one of the big surprises of the Games. From the first heat,Alonso Correa displayed a skill in barrels that surprised everyone, including the favorites of theWorld Surf League ( WSL ) Championship Tour . His dominance in the waves of Teahupo'o was so impressive that many are now wondering if he should be competing on the Championship Tour itself. Correa, who finished in fourth place, not only exceeded expectations but also left an indelible mark on these Games, proving that his talent deserves a place among the best in the world.

Nadia Erostarbe

The young Basque surfer, Nadia Erostarbe , was also a revelation at these Games. With her fluid style and fearlessness in the water, Nadia advanced to the quarterfinals, challenging more experienced surfers. Her ability to read the waves at Teahupo'o and execute complex maneuvers under pressure made her a crowd favorite, finishing fifth in the final results of the competition. Erostarbe demonstrated that she is a competitor to watch in future international competitions.

Kauli Vaast

Known for his familiarity with Teahupo'o's waves, Tahitian local Kauli Vaast used his intimate knowledge of the spot to rise among the global elite. Kauli displayed incredible composure and technical skill in Teahupo'o's challenging conditions, outlasting some of the world's best surfers to claim a Gold Medal. His performance brought pride to the local community and cemented his reputation as one of the most promising emerging talents in global surfing.

Olympic Medalists

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games crowned new surfing champions in a competition that offered drama, technical skill, and a profound connection with the natural environment. In both the men's and women's categories, surfers demonstrated an extraordinary level of skill, taking on the powerful waves of Teahupo'o, Tahiti, and emerging as true Olympic champions.

Men's Category

🥇 Kauli Vaast (France 🇫🇷) : Born and raised near Teahupo'o, Kauli Vaast fulfilled the dream of any local surfer by winning gold on his own wave. His intimate knowledge of the break and his impressive ability to master the most difficult barrels led him to obtain a near-perfect score. Vaast showed a mix of patience and aggression, carefully choosing the waves that crowned him champion, to the delight of the home crowd that supported him throughout.
🥈 Jack Robinson (Australia 🇦🇺) : Known for his big-wave prowess, Robinson battled to the finish in an intense battle for gold, but ended up taking the silver medal. Despite not reaching the top spot, Robinson proved to be a formidable competitor, taking advantage of every opportunity and displaying a powerful style that has characterized him throughout his career.
🥉 Gabriel Medina (Brazil 🇧🇷) : The charismatic Gabriel Medina finally got his hands on the Olympic medal that eluded him at Tokyo 2020. In a thrilling duel for bronze against Alonso Correa, Medina showed his dominance in difficult conditions, combining aerial maneuvers and deep barrels to secure his place on the podium. His performance was further confirmation of why he is considered one of the greatest surfers of all time.

Women's Category

🥇 Caroline Marks (USA 🇺🇸) : Caroline Marks took gold after a hard-fought final, demonstrating an incredible ability to stay focused and execute precise maneuvers under pressure. Her victory is a testament to her steady growth on the world tour and her ability to compete at the highest level. An early favorite, Marks lived up to expectations and became an Olympic champion.
🥈 Tatiana Weston-Webb (Brazil 🇧🇷) : Weston-Webb fought determinedly throughout the competition, coming within striking distance of gold. Her aggressive style and fearlessness in the biggest waves led her to the silver medal. Although the gap was minimal, Weston-Webb proved to be a tireless competitor, capable of challenging the best in any conditions.
🥉 Johanne Defay (France 🇫🇷) : France's Johanne Defay completed the women's podium with a well-deserved bronze medal. Always a consistent competitor, Defay showcased her experience and skill in the waves of Teahupo'o, securing her place among the world's surfing elite. Her performance was a source of pride for France, as it added another medal for the country at such a prestigious event.