Indonesian surfer Rio Waida secured his spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris by competing in the World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico.
He finished the 10th qualifying round in second place with a score of 10.93 points, earning him a place in the Olympic tournament among surfers. Rio, 24, expressed his excitement, saying, "It's so incredible and beautiful. That's why I came to this championship. Last time when I qualified for Tokyo, I felt amazing, and now I want to do it again. I will always continue to fight for my country."
For Rio, this marks his second consecutive appearance since surfing was introduced to the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020. In Japan, the Indonesian surfer finished 16th, while Brazilian athlete Italo Ferreira became the first Olympic champion in surfing, defeating Japan's Kanoa Igarashi in the final.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee, Raja Sapta Oktohari, expressed his joy at having another representative from the country at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He said, "Indonesia continues to rise high. Thank you, and congratulations that we will be able to cheer for Rio Waida, the pride of Indonesian surfers."
Rio was born in Japan to a Japanese-Indonesian family and moved to Bali with his parents at the age of five. On the Island of the Gods, he caught his first wave. Currently, he lives and trains in Uluwatu, one of the most famous spots among professional surfers.
Surfing, which debuted at the Tokyo Olympics, became a highlight of the Japanese Games. The surfing competition at the Games in France promises to be equally exciting and captivating. Interestingly, the surfing events will take place not on the mainland of France but on Tahiti, an island in French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. The beaches of Teahupo'o host one of the stages of the World Surf League every year, and from July 27 to 29, 2024, the world's best surfers will compete there.
There will be a total of 48 surfers (24 men and 24 women). As the host country, France has reserved two quotas for itself: one in the women's tournament and one in the men's tournament. Among the participants are surfers from the United States, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Peru, and New Zealand.
Indonesia's Olympic team in other sports currently includes seven athletes who have qualified and will represent the country in Paris. In addition to Rio Waida, these athletes are archers Arif Dwi Pangestu and Diananda Choirunisa, rock climbers Desak Made Ritu Kusumu Devi and Rahmada Adi Muliono, rhythmic gymnast Rifdu Irfanalutfi, and pistol shooter Fathur Gustafyana.
The XXXIII Summer Olympic Games in Paris will take place from July 16 to August 11.
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