Caroline Marks and Kauli Vaast Win Surfing Gold Medals at Paris 2024 Olympics

At the 2024 Summer Olympics, United States' Caroline Marks clinched the gold in women's surfing, while French Polynesia's Kauli Vaast claimed the men's gold in Tahiti on August 5, 2024. Vaast, after defeating Australia's Jack Robinson, expressed pride in representing Tahiti and France. Marks, after her victory over Brazil's Tatiana Weston-Webb, reflected on the dreamlike achievement. The bronze medals went to Brazil's Gabriel Medina and France's Johanne Defay. Notably, all medalists were first-time Olympic medalists, as former champion Carissa Moore was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Surprise Delays and Conditions

The final day of the Paris Olympics surfing competition experienced delays due to unfavorable conditions. The morning's smaller waves were a contrast to Teahupo'o's famed heavy barrel-shaped waves. However, as the day progressed, larger waves provided athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills. Notably, a whale's surprise appearance added to the Olympic spectacle.

Global Representation and Promotion of Surfing

The semifinals featured surfers from various nations, with flags from French Polynesia, Peru, Australia, and more prominently displayed. Despite not all competitors winning medals, they acknowledged the positive impact of the second-ever Olympic surfing competition on promoting the sport. Gabriel Medina noted the increased global attention on surfing and its culture. Noting the sport's historical significance in Polynesian culture, it was also emphasized that Teahupo'o hosts the annual World Surf League Tahiti Pro.