More than a century since Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern Surfing, first expressed his wish to see Surfing in the Olympics at the 1912 Games in Stockholm, the Olympic dream has come true. Pictured, ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, declares open the 2012 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Panamá. Photo: ISAISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said:“After decades of hard work and dedication we are absolutely thrilled that Surfing will officially join the Olympic Sports Program at Tokyo 2020. Our Olympic dream has now become a reality and on behalf of the entire Surfing family I would like to express our sincere thanks to the IOC and Tokyo 2020 for their pioneering vision in making this historic decision possible.
“This is a game-changing moment for Surfing. We are already seeing increased popularity of the sport across the world and the Olympic Games will provide an incredible platform to further showcase Surfing and its core values. With its unique and modern blend of sport performance, style and youth culture, Surfing will help deliver something special to the Games.?
Tia Blanco (USA), the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games Gold Medalist, will be one of the young stars of the sport with ambitions to win a Gold Medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Photo: ISA / Gonzales
“We are especially stoked for the athletes who now have their own dream to shoot for – to compete for their countries on the greatest sporting stage. We can’t wait to see the world’s best going head to head on the waves in Tokyo and millions of Surfing fans revelling in the competition and the fantastic festival atmosphere of the beach party.
“We know the hard work does not stop here. We look forward with great enthusiasm and energy to working in partnership with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 as we aim to make Surfing’s Olympic debut a resounding success.”
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