The world’s best surfers have expressed their outrage at changes to the Olympic qualifying criteria that are set to deny several stars a place at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Of the 24 men and 24 women that will compete for Olympic glory in two years’ time, only five men and five women will qualify via the World Surf League’s championship tour rankings.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
That is a significant reduction in spots allocated to the WSL with ten men and eight women having earned their place at the Paris Games via the premier competition for professionals around the globe.
The majority of the field at the famous Lower Trestles point break will instead come from the International Surfing Association’s World Surf Games and continental championships.
The ISA is the body officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee and that stance has led to the eyebrow raising move.
WSL surfers are allowed to compete in the World Surf Games, but they believe there should be greater recognition for their performances on the 12-event per year tour, which includes Australian events at Bells Beach, on the Gold Coast and in Margaret River.
The likes of current world champion Molly Picklum as well as fellow Australian, and former world champion, Tyler Wright, have taken to social media to vent their frustration.
Picklum described the move as “so disrespectful to the world’s best surfers”, while reigning men’s world champion Yago Dora said it was “complete disrespect”.
Meanwhile, Leo Fioravanti, who competed in the Tokyo and Paris Games, pointed out in the comments section of the ISA’s Instagram post announcing the change that because the WSL qualification is based on the standings in the middle of 2028, the previous year’s champion may miss out.
“The qualification system in the last 2 Olympics worked perfect,” Fioravanti said.
“Having 10 surfers from the @wsl world tour was the best way to make sure the best surfers in the world made it to the Olympics.
“Now the 2027 WSL world champion isn’t event guaranteed to compete in the Olympics.
“To be clear, on behalf of the WSL surfers, we tried to communicate with the ISA to find the best solution for everyone but the ISA was not willing to work with any of the WSL surfers.
“I don’t think this is the way to move forward and make our sport better not only for our generation but for future generations.”
The WSL athletes have accused the ISA of poor communication and cancelling meetings.
They also released an official statement where they argued that the change defied the Olympic spirit.
“The LA28 Olympics deserves to have the world’s best surfers competing,” the statement said.
“The ISA has introduced a new qualification system without consulting Championship Tour surfers. This does not align with the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship.
“It must be changed and we’re speaking out to ensure a fair and equitable system that protects the integrity of the Olympics, and our sport.”
The change has not been universally condemned, however, and has exposed a rift within the sport.
Australian former world No.1 Sally Fitzgibbons sits on the other side of the fence as ISA vice-president, and welcomed the move that will bring a broader array of athletes to the Olympics.
“The updates to the Olympic Surfing qualification system are both meaningful and an important step forward for our sport on the Olympic stage,” Fitzgibbons said.
“Ensuring gender equity through the professional league qualifiers reflects the ISA’s commitment to fairness and opportunity for all athletes,” she said.
“Expanding the role of the Continental Games recognises the growing depth of global talent and promotes greater universality on the Olympic stage.
“This evolution strengthens competitive balance and helps ensure the Olympics truly showcase surfing at its most fair and equal.”
ISA’s longtime chief Fernando Aguerre made similar comments.
“The updates to the qualification system reflect the ISA’s dedication to making sure the world’s best surfers have the best possible opportunity to earn their place at LA28. We have worked closely with the IOC, the athletes, and other stakeholders to deliver a clear and fair process,” Aguerre said.
“With LA28, with Lower Trestles, and with this qualification system, we are confident the best surfers from around the world will have the chance to earn their place, live their Olympic dreams, and deliver another unforgettable show.”
Discussion about this post