Shidashita Beach, Japan – Tuesday, July 27, 2021 – The first-ever Olympic surfing medals have been won with Carissa Moore and Italo Ferreira coming out on top.
“The scale of this event felt so much bigger,” said Moore. “Getting to share the sport with so many people that maybe have never even watched surfing was super special. As a Hawaiian, just seeing Duke Kahanamoku’s dream come true to have surfing in the Olympics is super special. It’s a big time for surfing to be recognized on this level.”
Moore was one of the clear favorites for a gold medal, and once again she delivered on the weight of expectation on her shoulders. Drawing clean lines and power carves in the scattered beachbreak peaks, all day long she was able to walk the fine line between competitive focus and a loose, free approach in the water.
In the women’s gold medal final, the first score went to Moore, a 3.17. She quickly backed that up with a 3.40 in the challenging conditions. But it didn’t take long for her to push the bar even higher. Earning a 7.33 for a very well surfed right-hander, she had Buitendag against the ropes.
Moore then went one better, locking in a 7.60. Steadily upping the ante, with five minutes left on the clock she was in clear control of her destiny. Holding on for the win, Moore is now an Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champ — who’s knocking on the door of a fifth Title later this season.
Winning the gold secures Carissa’s place as one of the best athletes surfing has ever.
After three straight days of competition in everything from waist-high wedges to overhead typhoon surf, history has been made and the first chapter of Olympic Surfing is officially in the books.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics Results – Women
Gold: Carissa Moore (USA)
Silver: Bianca Buitendag (RSA)
Bronze: Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN)