- Caroline Marks wins women’s surfing gold for the USA.
- Kauli Vaast secures men’s surfing gold for French Polynesia.
- Both are first-time Olympic medalists in the sport.
Caroline Marks from the United States clinched the women’s surfing gold medal at the Paris Olympics in Tahiti, outshining Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb who took the silver.
Marks expressed her elation, describing the victory as beyond her wildest dreams. This win marks her first Olympic medal, a significant achievement in her career.
Historic Wins in Olympic Surfing for Marks and Vaast
In the men’s competition, French Polynesian surfer Kauli Vaast triumphed over Australia’s Jack Robinson to claim the gold. Vaast celebrated his historic win with pride, emphasizing the honor of representing Tahiti and France on home waves. The bronze medals went to Gabriel Medina of Brazil and Johanne Defay of France, completing the podium.
Kauli Vaast, representing French Polynesia, made history by winning the gold medal in the men’s surfing competition. Vaast’s victory was particularly poignant as it took place in his home waters, Teahupo’o, a renowned surf spot. He defeated Australia’s Jack Robinson, who took home the silver medal. Vaast’s win was celebrated by enthusiastic crowds both on the shore and in boats near the wave.
Gabriel Medina of Brazil and Johanne Defay of France won the bronze medals in their respective categories. Medina reflected on the significance of Teahupo’o in his surfing career, acknowledging the many successes he has had there. The athletes celebrated their victories barefoot on the podium, surrounded by cheering fans and young surfers who idolized them.
The surfing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics showcased the sport’s growing popularity and the incredible talent of the competitors. The competition not only highlighted individual achievements but also brought attention to surfing as an integral part of Polynesian culture. With memorable performances and stunning waves, the event left a lasting impression on both participants and spectators.
The Paris 2024 Olympic surfing competition was a historic and unforgettable event, celebrating remarkable achievements by athletes like Caroline Marks and Kauli Vaast. Their victories highlighted the global appeal of surfing and its deep cultural roots in Polynesia.
“Your whole life goes into a moment like this,” Marks said with a gold medal hanging around her neck. “It’s beyond all my wildest dreams.”
