Brazilian surfers who qualified to compete in the Paris Olympics participated in a news conference in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, organized by the World Surf League (WSL). During the event, the athletes expressed their excitement and desire to win in France.
"I think it's the Olympic gold! It's the biggest sports event in the world, and that is on top of everything. It's part of our professional careers as surfers. I'm here, I have sponsors, commitments inside and out of the water, all of my team, my family and my friends. It's a huge dream that all athletes have. I think I'll win gold," said Brazilian Olympic surfing qualifier Joan Chianca.
International Surfing Association's tweet on June 18 about Brazilian surfers who have qualified for the Paris Olympics. /@ISFsurfing
"I've been preparing for the Olympics since November last year. I did my pre-season with my team in the Olympic Brazilian Committee," added fellow Brazilian Olympic surfing qualifier Tatiana Weston-Webb. "During that time, I was training, focused in the Olympic results. It only happens every four years, and it's a great opportunity. I want to win in every step I compete in, but my focus is 100 percent the Olympics."
Surfers from across the globe will convene in Rio de Janeiro between June 22 and 30 to participate in the Rio Pro competition as part of the WSL tour.
The surfing events during the Paris Olympics will take place over four days within a 10-day window, from July 27 to August 5.
(Cover: Brazil's Gabriel Medina rides a wave during the first round of the men's surfing competition at the Summer Olympic Games at Tsurigasaki beach in Ichinomiya, Japan, July 25, 2021. /CFP)