The 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship (WPSC) wrapped up its ninth edition at Huntington Beach, showcasing thrilling performances in perfect conditions. Fourteen World Champions were crowned on a highly competitive Finals Day, marking a significant moment in the event’s history.
France secured its second consecutive Team World Championship, narrowly defeating the USA in a closely contested battle that has unfolded over three years. The French team brought home a total of 10 medals: two gold, two silver, and two bronze, along with four copper medals. Australia also made a strong showing, earning its first Team Medal since 2017 with a bronze finish. Spain, the 2020 Team World Champion, matched its previous performance from 2022 to claim copper.
Charlotte Banfield (ENG), Freddy Marimon (COL), and Jocelyn Neumueller (AUS) each celebrated their second World Titles. Banfield achieved back-to-back victories, while Marimon and Neumueller returned to the top after several years.
Marimon’s victory was particularly meaningful as he had dedicated himself to learning a new surfing technique. At just 19 years old, he has improved steadily since winning the World Title at age 13 in 2018. In the final heat, Marimon opened with a score of 9.00. Although his rival Davi Teixeira (BRA) took the lead with an 8.80 later in the heat, Marimon secured his win with a score of 7.93, finishing with a total of 16.93 compared to Teixeira’s 16.63.
“We fought for a whole year,” Marimon said after his win. “It was a year of dedication and sacrifice for this victory.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunities that arose during his journey and acknowledged his friendship with Teixeira.
Victoria Feige (CAN) set a record in 2022 by becoming the first woman to win four Gold Medals in Para Surfing; she has since extended her record to five. Now, Marta Paço (POR) and Sarah Bettencourt (USA) have joined this elite group by each claiming their fourth Gold Medals.
Both athletes noted that witnessing the growth of women’s Para Surfing competition is more meaningful than their medal achievements.
“I just can’t believe I’m a four-time World Champion,” Paço said. “It sounds crazy to me, but I’m so happy.” She emphasized her desire to continue improving her surfing skills.
New World Champions were crowned in six divisions: Pierot Gagliano (FRA), Zoe Smith (ENG), Luciano Silveira (BRA), Audrey Pascual (ESP), Kai Colless (AUS), and JP Veaudry (RSA) each won their first Gold Medals.
For Gagliano, Smith, Veaudry, and Pascual, these victories were long-awaited. Silveira made an impressive debut by winning the Stand 3 division in his first competition, while Colless triumphed in his second attempt.
Colless faced off against defending World Champion Joel Taylor (AUS) throughout the event. In a nail-biting finale, Colless emerged victorious with a heat total of 16.76 compared to Taylor’s 15.64.
In her fifth final appearance, Pascual finally achieved her breakthrough win against strong competitors including newcomer Erin Koffel (USA), Silver Medalist Vera Quaresma (BRA), and two-time World Champion Emma Dieters (AUS). Pascual secured her victory with a solid second ride scoring 7.83.
“We were all hoping for better waves so we could show our surfing,” Pascual said after her win. “We ended up having so much fun in the water.”
The event showcased remarkable talent and sportsmanship among para surfers from around the world, highlighting the growing strength of this competitive community.
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