Top Surfers to Watch at the Paris Olympics

The Paris Olympics' surfing competition features top athletes like Carissa Moore, Vahine Fierro, Filipe Toledo, and John John Florence. Storylines to watch include environmental controversies, hometown heroes, and the event's distance from Paris. The competition will take place in Teahupo'o between July 27 and August 8.

The Paris Olympics' surfing competition promises to be thrilling, with top athletes like Carissa Moore from the U.S., Vahine Fierro from France, Brazil's Filipe Toledo, and John John Florence from the U.S. vying for gold. Moore, a five-time world champion, has announced her retirement post-Games, adding significance to her performance. Fierro, competing near her hometown in French Polynesia, aims to clinch a medal for France, especially after winning the Tahiti Pro in May.

Controversy surrounds the event venue due to environmental concerns over a judging tower attached to the coral reef. This year's competition breaks records for being the farthest Olympic event from the host city, with Tahiti situated over 15,715 kilometers from Paris. The surfing events will run over four days between July 27 and August 8, depending on conditions.

Excitement is high as reigning champions Italo Ferreira of Brazil and Carissa Moore aim to defend their titles. Local heroes Fierro and Kauli Vaast, both Tahiti-born, are also in the spotlight. This is only the second time surfing features in the Olympics, following its debut in Tokyo, which was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)