Kauli Vaast celebrated the recognition of surfing as an Olympic sport, sharing insights on his achievements in the Olympics, his ambitions to qualify for the elite Championship Tour, and the evolving landscape of surfing in France, particularly in terms of gender representation and youth involvement.
Kauli Vaast, the gold medalist from Tahiti, expressed his elation over surfing being recognized as an Olympic sport during an interview with AFP at the parade of champions along the iconic Champs-Élysées. “Surfing has shown this summer that it is an Olympic sport with real athletes,” Vaast declared, his voice brimming with pride. The 22-year-old, who achieved his triumph at the world-renowned Teahupo’o wave, is now setting his sights on qualifying for the Championship Tour, the elite circuit featuring the top 32 surfers worldwide. To achieve this, he must refine his skills on various surf spots around the globe, each presenting unique challenges and characteristics. In discussing life after the Olympics, Vaast remarked, “Incredibly well. It’s been quite a marathon since the finals, but each experience has been fulfilling, with countless new encounters and thrilling events. Ending the Games with a grand parade and receiving the Legion of Honor was nothing short of amazing.” When asked about winning the title in Tahiti, he shared, “This is a dream come true. Competing at home gave me extra motivation. Standing on the podium with the French flag, with my hometown Polynesia in my heart, was unbelievable.” Vaast credited Jérémy Flores, the coach of the French team, saying, “He has been there for me since the beginning of my career. We share a close bond; it’s like he’s my big brother. I’ve learned so much from him, and his support has been critical throughout my journey to the Olympics.” Addressing the potential growth of surfing as an Olympic sport in France, he said, “Surfing is often seen as a hobby in France, but the Tokyo Games showed that serious athletes compete. I believe this victory will uplift the surfing community, showcasing the incredible waves in France and Polynesia. I hope it encourages young talents in French surfing.” He also touched on the need for greater female representation in surfing, stating, “The women have reached an astonishing level lately, capable of performing feats that sometimes surpass the guys. I hope this inspires more women to excel and establish their presence in the surfing world.” Reflecting on the surfing spots in mainland France, he humorously noted, “The Seine has some great waves! Of course, there are amazing waves in the southwest, Marseille, and Brittany. There are so many top spots available for us to express ourselves and potentially perform internationally. Who knows? I might reach the world elite!” Lastly, regarding his future plans, Vaast mentioned, “My primary goal is to qualify for the elite Championship Tour. This summer, I focused on that, although my results haven’t been stellar yet. There are two contests left this year, and I’ll do my best to seize those opportunities.”
The article discusses the exciting developments surrounding surfing as an official Olympic sport, highlighted by the success of Tahitian surfer Kauli Vaast at the Tokyo Olympics. It explores his journey, aspirations, and how the recognition of surfing is transforming perceptions of the sport in France. Vaast reflects on his achievements, the influence of his coach, Jérémy Flores, and the growth of female participation in surfing, while also emphasizing the potential for young surfers in France.
Kauli Vaast’s journey from a triumphant Olympic gold medalist to aspiring elite surfer encapsulates the shifting landscape of surfing as a recognized sport. His achievements not only highlight the incredible talent in surfing but also instill hope in the community for both male and female surfers. The echoes of his dreams resonate with the waves of opportunity, inviting a brighter future for surfing in France.
Original Source: www.la-croix.com
Leave a Reply