[ad_1]
Mihimana Braye could have been one of 48 surfers vying for Olympic gold at Teahupo’o. But the way qualifying for this Olympics works, the surfer from Papara has to decide to watch it on TV.
« It was very difficult not to go there. I fully believed I had a spot in these Olympics, but fate decided otherwise. It’s great for Cawley. He did it. It’s inspiring. He showed the way. “, he said.
But the 27-year-old Tahiti Pro Trials winner hasn’t given up on his Olympic dream yet: In 2028, I will be 31 years old. I will always be at the top of my game and mature. That is a goal for me. I will take things one step at a time. I try not to ask too many questions now. I try to refocus on myself and do what I know how to do. ».
Behind Mihimana Breyer, young talents can also knock on the door of the French team. Among the boys, we think of Peio Charriaud, Maunakea Hioe and even the Haumani twins: Toaura and Haunui. In the women’s category, Kohai Fierro, Aelan Vaast, Kahili Simon and Kiara Goold also face competition.
« We, the coaches of the Tahitian Surfing Federation, have an agreement with the French Federation to train all these beautiful little guys, to push them to the top, to professionalize the training and monitoring.””, explains Steven Pearson, the Tahiti youth team coach.
For long-time World Championship Tour (WCT) player Michel Burress, there is also the “ Huge potential at the local level » : « Good things are going to happen. We have very good coaches and all the infrastructure to succeed. The level is there. Now you just have to give it 200%. ».
The 2028 Olympics may be held in Huntington Beach. A “beach break” opposite the surf at Teahupo’o Pass.
« It’s not the same thing at all », acquiesced to Michel Bourez,« It’s not necessarily the people who surf well at Teahupo’o that qualify there. So you have to be very versatile. Future generations will need to train more at places like Tahaluu or Papenoo where the waves are softer and closer to Huntington. ».
Mihimana Braye knows this place well. This is where I spent a lot of time growing up. My shaper is there. I surf there a lot and test boards. For me, it’s like a second home for training. I like this wave and it suits my surfing style. “, he stressed.
Defending Olympic champion Kauli Vaast, 22, and Tahiti Pro champion Vahine Fierro, 24, will certainly be strong contenders for an Olympic berth.
2028 seems far away, but this time frame is needed to fully prepare for the Olympics and for Finuya to collect other medals.
[ad_2]
Source link
