With Paris 2024 nearing, surfers and residents of Tahiti's Teahupo'o are eagerly awaiting the start of the surfing competition, which promises thrilling waves and spectacular performances.
As the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics draw closer, excitement is building for the surfing competition, scheduled to take place in the iconic waters of Teahupo'o, Tahiti. The idyllic location, renowned for its pristine waves, promises an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Located over 9,000 miles from the host city of Paris, the decision to hold the surfing competition in Teahupo'o was driven by the exceptional quality and consistency of its waves.
Teahupo'o's Waves Prepare for Epic Stage in 2024 Paris Olympics
According to Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association (ISA), the unique location will provide a significant boost to the event. "We didn't know if the IOC would have the stomach for that," he said. "But we reviewed a lot of the options for that, and it was clear that staying in European France meant a disaster, probably a disaster, for the waves."
Surfers have been eagerly preparing for the competition, taking advantage of exclusive access to the world-famous waves of Teahupo'o before the official start. The training sessions have provided an opportunity for competitors to familiarize themselves with the challenging and awe-inspiring conditions.
Teahupo'o's Waves Prepare for Epic Stage in 2024 Paris Olympics
The forecast for the competition period, which runs from July 25 to August 5, is promising. Surfline.com predicts good conditions for Teahupo'o, while the nearby beaches around Hossegor are expected to experience fair to poor conditions.
Aguerre expressed confidence in the decision to hold the surfing competition in Teahupo'o. "The IOC and the Olympic Committee understood the challenge of having OBS (Olympic Broadcasting Services) operating here as opposed to a beach near Paris, but I am totally positive that the rewards will be huge," he said.
Teahupo'o's Waves Prepare for Epic Stage in 2024 Paris Olympics
"We know Saturday and Sunday are going to be amazing for waves. Not big and scary Teahupo'o, but very nice, high quality, so we are going to see some great performances."
Surfing is expected to be featured much closer to Los Angeles in 2028, when the city hosts its third Summer Games. Aguerre hinted that the competition could take place at Huntington Beach or Trestles near San Clemente.
"But I won't second-guess the organizers, and we've been kind of evaluating the pros and cons of each of them, and they're both amazing. So, it will be in a good place."
In Teahupo'o, preparations for the influx of visitors are well underway. Residents have been cleaning up beaches, extending business hours, and creating gentle reminders for tourists to respect the local environment. The presence of a floating Olympic village and an Olympic judges' tower adds to the excitement surrounding the event.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
