Olympic surfing made history in 2024 when Kauli Vaast of France and Caroline Marks of the United States became the second-ever surfing gold medalists. The event took place in Tahiti, where Marks defeated Tatiana Weston-Webb of Brazil in the women’s gold-medal match with a score of 10.50 to 10.33. On the other hand, Vaast triumphed over Australia’s Jack Robinson with a score of 17.67 to 7.83 in their gold-medal meeting.
Gabriel Medina of Brazil, who was a favorite going into the event, faced tough waves that hindered his performance. Despite this, he managed to secure a bronze medal by defeating Peru’s Alonso Correa in the bronze-medal matchup.
The conditions during the semifinals and bronze-medal matches were challenging, but the surf improved for the gold-medal matches. Vaast took advantage of the favorable waves and dominated the final with impressive scores. His exceptional performance earned him his first Olympic medal at the age of 22, a significant achievement, especially since he achieved it in his home country of Tahiti.
In the women’s gold-medal match, both Marks and Weston-Webb had a slow start, struggling to find suitable waves in the initial minutes of the contest. However, as the match progressed, the waves became more favorable, leading to an intense battle in the final minutes. Marks showcased her skills with a 7.50 and 3.00 score, ultimately securing the gold as Weston-Webb fell just short with a 4.50 score.
Marks’ victory in the 2024 Olympics marked a significant improvement from her fourth-place finish in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Her journey from narrowly missing a medal to claiming the gold three years later is a testament to her determination and growth as a surfer.
The Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed exceptional performances in surfing, with athletes showcasing their skills and resilience in challenging conditions. The event not only celebrated the athletic prowess of the competitors but also highlighted the beauty and excitement of the sport on a global stage. As surfing continues to gain popularity and recognition in the Olympics, athletes like Vaast, Marks, and Medina inspire a new generation of surfers to dream big and pursue their passion for riding the waves.