On the ground during the Paris 2024 Olympics, in which surfing was held at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, 5x Championship Tour winner Carissa Moore lost in the Quarterfinals to France’s Johanne Defay. There was a standing ovation, tears were flowing (both from Carissa and the fans), and it was clear this was it – the end of her competitive career.
“When you come up short of a dream, it sucks,” Moore said in an emotional post-heat speech. “But at the same time, how fun was it? I wouldn’t have had it any other way…I’m really grateful. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to finish off my career.”
What was next for Carissa? She was coy, stating that she’d take some much-needed time off, and time away from chasing points and world titles and traveling the world.
Meanwhile, after the emotional retirement speech, someone on the beach muttered, half-jokingly: “She got knocked out, and now she’s gonna get knocked up.”
And they were right. Sorta.
“Excited to catch the best wave of our lives… the swell arrives February 2025,” Moore announced with her husband Luke, clasping her belly, and beaming.
February 2025, huh? The Olympics were in late July into early August. Despite an elementary level of mathematics, that would mean that Carissa was pregnant during the Olympics. She must’ve conceived somewhere around late May or early June. And she would’ve been a month or two pregnant while she was threading tubes at Teahupo’o, chasing her second gold medal at Paris 2024. But she kept that bun in the oven a secret.
Anyway, regardless of when the baby was conceived, the surf world erupted in congratulations:
“Whaaatttt!! Amazing!! Congratulations to you and Luke. It’s the best journey you’ll ever go on!” – Mick Fanning
“So stoked for you guys!” – Shane Dorian
“I’m legit crying 🥹🫶🏽🔥🙌🏾 so happy for you Carissa and Luke! You both are going to be incredible parents! The best is yet to come” – Bethany Hamilton
“Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️” – Caroline Marks
“This makes me so happy. You are going to be an amazing Mom!!” – Erin Brooks
Cheers, Carissa and Luke. The best is yet to come.
Related: Carissa Moore Makes Tearful Retirement Speech at Surfing Olympics
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