"You're still third in the world and that's not good enough [for the Olympics]," says Lakey Peterson in a new article by Marie Claire which details the three-way battle between her, Carissa Moore and Caroline Marks for the two women's spots on the USA Surfing Olympic Team.
That sums up the brutal reality of trying to book a spot in surfing's historic Olympic debut, with each nation able to send two women, and two men, to Tokyo. And yet, Moore, Peterson and Marks are the top three female surfers in the world.
When these three athletes arrived at Honolua Bay for the penultimate event of 2019, the World Title race was so close it could technically have ended in a three-way tie which would have triggered a surf off. And yet, only one women could walk away as the World Champion, and only two would secure a spot on the Olympic team.
The article goes on to explain the new levels of performance seen on the Championship Tour, and the fierce competition we're set to see when these elite athletes compete for gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games -- which have sadly been postponed due to the ongoing Covid pandemic.
Importantly, it also highlights the fact that male and female surfers compete for the same amount of prize money, putting surfing at the vanguard of a push for equality in professional sports.
You can read the full article here.
See what it takes to earn a 10-point ride at one of the best righthand point-breaks in the world.
Marie Claire Explores The Ruthless Reality Of Olympic Qualification
Ben Collins
"You're still third in the world and that's not good enough [for the Olympics]," says Lakey Peterson in a new article by Marie Claire which details the three-way battle between her, Carissa Moore and Caroline Marks for the two women's spots on the USA Surfing Olympic Team.
That sums up the brutal reality of trying to book a spot in surfing's historic Olympic debut, with each nation able to send two women, and two men, to Tokyo. And yet, Moore, Peterson and Marks are the top three female surfers in the world.
When these three athletes arrived at Honolua Bay for the penultimate event of 2019, the World Title race was so close it could technically have ended in a three-way tie which would have triggered a surf off. And yet, only one women could walk away as the World Champion, and only two would secure a spot on the Olympic team.
The article goes on to explain the new levels of performance seen on the Championship Tour, and the fierce competition we're set to see when these elite athletes compete for gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games -- which have sadly been postponed due to the ongoing Covid pandemic.
Importantly, it also highlights the fact that male and female surfers compete for the same amount of prize money, putting surfing at the vanguard of a push for equality in professional sports.
You can read the full article here.
Caroline Marks
Gabriela, Sawyer, and Caroline touch down on the Gold Coast and got a free surf in at Burleigh Heads. Stay tuned for more pre-comp free
Fresh off two weeks in Portugal calling the event, part-time Lineup co-host and WSL commentator Mitchell Salazar joins Dave to break down
The 2019 MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal champ Caroline Marks made her move to another pivotal Final appearance after besting perennial World
A clash of CT icons, Caroline Marks and Johanne Defay, unraveled with Marks besting the 2024 event champ and soon-to-be mother Defay. This
The 2023 WSL Champ Caroline Marks returned to the Supertubos arena in great form with a 13.24 heat total over Isabella Nichols.
lululemon Maui Pro
Carissa Moore is your 2019 World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore wins the event for the fifth time, and Tyler Wright has a magical comeback.
The 18-year-old phenomenon has graduated high school and will probably celebrate by dominating competition once it resumes.
Season 1, Episode 13
Join lululemon and Jeep surfer Malia Manuel behind the scenes at the final stop of the season - the lululemon Maui Pro.
December 2
Carissa Moore claims her fourth World Title, Stephanie Gilmore wins the Lululemon Maui Pro and Jack Robinson dominates Sunset.
Carissa Moore is your 2019 World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore wins the event for the fifth time, and Tyler Wright has a magical comeback.