South Africa has three surfers in the Olympic Games: Jordy Smith, Matt McGillivray, and Sarah Baum. The surfing event of the Paris Olympics will take place at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, with competition days from July 27th to August 5th. The surfing schedule can be found here.
Jordy Smith will come up against Ethan Ewing (Aus) and Tim Elter (Ger) in his first-round encounter, and Matt McGillivray will face Joan Duru (France) and Jack Robinson (Aus).
Sarah Baum will come up against Yolande Hopkins (Por) and Caroline Marks (USA) in her first-round heat. The full draw can be found here.
“I’m super-excited about competing in the Olympic Games, and Teahupo’o is an intense venue, so there is much anticipation around the event,” said Smith. “I think we’ve got a very confident and strong team, with Matt and Sarah, so hopefully we can bring home some medals. It always feels pretty electric at Teahupo’o, especially when there are waves, everyone wants to get a great barrel.”
Jordy Smith at the Outerknown Tahiti Pro 2022
Photo by Damien Poullenot/World Surf League
The contest venue, Teahupo’o in Tahiti, is a much-revered surf location with waves that can get big and terrifying. Both Smith and McGillivray have excelled here in the past, and Baum is confident in waves of consequence, so there is much belief that our surfers will do well at this venue.
“In the surfing world, if you win a gold medal, for the rest of your life, you’re known as an Olympic Gold Medalist,” said Baum on her thoughts on the Olympics. “Whether you retire from surfing and you’re 60 at a barbecue or something, being a gold medalist is huge among people who don’t surf.”
Sarah Baum at the Ballito Pro 2024 -Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League
Team manager Reza De Nicker is also very upbeat about the Olympics. “Our athletes have reached the pinnacle of sports: the Olympic Games. The stage is right before them as we embark on a life-changing journey. Being in their corner is a humbling experience and a huge honour. They are as ready as possible with all the hard work already; now they just have to shine and soak it all in!”
For more details on Surfing at the Olympic Games – here
See also: 10 Things to Know About Surfing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
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About Surfing South Africa
SURFING SOUTH AFRICA is the recognised governing body for Surfriding in South Africa. It is responsible for the activities of all its disciplines, such as surfing, longboarding, bodyboarding, kneeboarding, para surfing and SUP surfing.
SSA is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the African Surfing Confederation (ASC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA).
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