On the eve of Olympic surfing at Paris 2024

The occasion was not lost on any of the surfers who fully embraced the special morning.

Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Kanoa Igarashi, no stranger to pressure, was eager to embrace the moment and occasion.

“There’s nothing like the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics. It’s a huge honour to be here and it was so cool to see the broadcast of everyone in Paris, and we’re here in Tahiti so it’s really cool to connect with them,” the Japanese surfer said. “We’re representing our country and there’s no better feeling.”

Having tasted success three years ago, Igarashi is gunning for gold at Teahupo’o.

“I had the honour of medalling in Tokyo and it was such a special feeling. It’s so crazy that although it’s the same event, it’s such a different feel,” he said. “Each Olympics has such a different feel and energy. It’s a privilege to be here and I’m excited to feel those Olympic pressures again and I hope to come away with one spot better this time.”

Portugal’s Yolanda Hopkins, who finished fifth at Olympic surfing’s debut in Japan, and is back as a second-time Olympian.

“That was pretty incredible and quite emotional. I’ve never experienced that type of thing before with the beautiful Tahitian dancers and stuff, and it was incredible to be part of,” she said.

The beaty of the island is in contrast to the brutal and raw wave that is Teahupo’o, known for being a wave of consequence.