The GOAT, Mrs. Moore, feeling comfortable in Tahiti. Photo: ISA
Messy conditions forced another lay day here at the Paris 2024 Olympics in Tahiti, and every athlete chooses how to spend their downtime differently. Some hole up in their team houses to rest and steer clear of the media. Others, like Peru’s Alonso Correa, hang out on the beach chatting with whoever is around. Some opt to surf. The U.S.’s female trio of Carissa Moore, Caroline Marks, and Caity Simmers chose to stay active and get in the water.
They paddled out into a busy lineup of locals and international visitors to surf the little rights of the cobblestone river mouth in town. It’s a far cry from the Olympic venue, but it gets the feet in the wax and the blood pumping. As Carissa Moore came out of the water, seemingly relaxed, with a smile, I had a quick chat with her about how different her second time around at the Olympics feels, if she felt any rust in her first heat after not competing this year, her new pick for men’s gold, and what the U.S. house has been like with the eliminations of Griffin Colapinto and John John Florence.
Emotionally, how has Paris 2024 been different from your first Olympic experience?
It is different in so many ways. But it’s similar in the way that it’s just so exciting and an honor to be a part of. Being able to have my husband here has been special. Feeling like you’re in the same waters as home – the culture here, the warmth, and the hospitality – feels really good. I’m super happy. Obviously, the wave is very different (than Tokyo 2020). So there’s that fear/stress/anxiety factor, but I think it’s a great challenge. I’m enjoying it.
After not competing regularly this year, did you feel like there was any competition rust to shake off during your first heat?
Of course. That’s definitely been on my mind. I had to find the confidence myself without having the repetition (of competing). I’m hoping I can keep it going again by relying on my years of experience. Hopefully I’ll be good.
How are the vibes different in the Team U.S. house now that Griffin and John John are out?
We miss them a lot. It was heartbreaking to not see them advance because I felt like they were frontrunners for this event. But the vibes are still really good. The girls are all excited to compete again and the team is amped. We have a great support system. So yes, it sucks to see them go home, but they transferred the “mana” to us and we’re ready.
Who’s your new pick for men’s gold now that the American men are gone?
Anything can happen in these types of waves. Obviously, Gabriel Medina so far has looked strong. He’s had a track record out here that’s hard to beat. But I think there are a lot of guys in the draw that can cause upsets. Even underdogs like Alonso (Correa). He’s such a sweet guy. I’d love to see someone like that do well.
What’s your take on the forecast? When do you think it will run again?
We’re definitely on tomorrow. I think so. We’ll go from there.
