The was a lot on the line at the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games. Not only was it a battle to become a world champion, but Paris 2024 Olympic qualification spots were on the line as well. During the course of Olympic qualification, spots must be claimed for each team. Both Japan and the USA solidified at least one spot for its Olympic teams. Individual qualification has not been determined for 2024.
On the women’s side, the final came down to Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Pauline Ado (FRA), Kirra Pinkerton (USA), and Daniella Rosas (PER). Pinkerton ultimately came away victorious, with Ado and Fitzgibbons winning silver and bronze, respectively. In addition to taking home the gold for team USA, Pinkerton secured an Olympic team qualification spot for the U.S. women.
“This whole week has been super cool,” said Pinkerton. “Every heat’s been almost impossible — it’s been super hard to catch waves. The fact that it all came together at the end, I’m just in complete awe right now.”
In the men’s final, it was Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Jackson Baker (AUS), Guilherme Fonseca (POR), and Rio Waida (INA). Ultimately, Igarashi landed the gold with Waida and Baker winning the silver and bronze, respectively. On top of his gold medal finish, Igarashi claimed the Olympic qualification spot for the Japanese men’s team.
“The support I felt from the whole team coming down here today and supporting me gave me all the energy in the world,” says Igarashi. “It was a really crazy week and full of emotions.”
In addition to the individual wins, Team USA won the overall team trophy for best men’s and women’s combined score. Nat Young (fifth place), Kolohe Andino (seventh), and Griffin Colapinto (tied for 19th) contributed on the men’s side and Pinkerton (first place), Gabriela Bryan (tied for ninth) and Zoe McDougall (tied for 21st) locked in points for the women.
Forty eight athletes will compete in Tahiti during the 2024 Olympic games. Qualification is gained through a combination of four competitive formats: the 2023 Championship Tour, the 2023 ISA Surfing Games, the 2023 Pan Am Games, and the 2024 ISA Games. Surfers who finish in the top 10 on the WSL’s 2023 CT will gain automatic spots for the Paris Games. Other competitors will be qualified through those remaining events. More qualification details can be found here.
