Photo: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Despite Olympic surfing in the Paris 2024 Games being somewhat of an anomaly – being that it was held 10,000 miles away from the Eiffel Tower in Tahiti – some of the medalists have made the trek to the City of Lights for the closing ceremony.
In particular, local Tahitian and Team France gold medalist, Kauli Vaast.
After his victory in Teahupo’o, beating Australian Jack Robinson on the final day of the competition window in head-high Tahitian tubes, Vaast jetted off to Paris to keep the celebrations going. And by celebrations, we mean wake-surfing down the Seine River with the gold medal around his neck. That’s gotta be an Olympic first.
“Who hasn’t dreamed of surfing on the Seine, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower?” Kauli captioned his victory lap video. “I know I have. From Tahiti to Paris, I am proud and honored to bring surfing back to the heart of the capital. A big thank you to everyone for your support; without you, I wouldn’t have come this far.”
Related: Kauli Vaast Wins Men’s Olympic Surfing Gold Medal
Like he did during the event in Tahiti, Vaast raised his arms while surfing in Paris – only this time, it was on the river, and not being blown out of a Chopes cavern. (In particular, the first wave of the Final he caught, earning him a 9.50).
After the victory in Tahiti, Vaast told SURFER:
“It’s a dream come true. I just made history – for me, for all of Tahitians, for surfing. I can’t be more proud to represent Tahiti and France. I lost my voice; I was screaming as hard as I could. I had the mana, and it went my way. Surfing was born in Polynesia, and now I just won, so it means a lot to me. If you want something, you can do it. Just don’t give up. Trust the process.”
And now, he gets to celebrate with all his countrymen and women in the Olympic hub.
Well done, Kauli.
Related: Gallery: Intimate Moments from Surfing’s Historic Paris 2024 Olympics Finale
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