Words Mimi LaMontagne, Photos Andrew Shield, Video Ryan Kenny
Last week we told you that by this week, we would know if surfing was going to be included in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. We were wrong.
It was announced earlier this week that the International Olympic Committee has recommended surfing for 2020. That’s a strong recommendation, and pretty much means we’re in, but it’s still not 100 per cent.
“Tokyo 2020’s announcement today is an extraordinary moment for our sport and for the global Surfing Community,” said Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association. “We are immensely proud of our sport and what it would bring to the Games and we will continue to work closely with the Olympic Movement to achieve our Olympic dream.”
Organisers of the Tokyo Games sound optimistic about it all. “Tokyo 2020 believes the proposed additional events* will inspire young athletes involved in these events around the world to strive to achieve their cherished dream of competing in the world’s greatest sporting spectacle.”
Even the WSL has come out with their support. “We are pleased that surfing has been recommended for inclusion in the 2020 Games by the Tokyo Olympic Organizers,” said Commissioner Kieren Perrow. “Surfing’s international growth over the past few years, its loyal and enthusiastic fans combined with its globally recognized athletes makes it an ideal sport to showcase on the Olympic stage. We’re excited to show billions of Olympic viewers the athleticism and artistry of these world-class surfers.”
The final decision won’t be made until August of next year during the Rio Games, when the International Olympic Committee will say “I Do” or “I Definitely Don’t”. And there’s a lot chatter around the topic – at some point, you’ve probably posted a comment either for or against surfing in the quintuple rings of glory.
We’re not here to say whether you should be for or against it – we just want to show you the potential. And the potential is the video at the top of this issue.
In October of 2007, the best wave pool in the world was shut down. We knew this was happening before the fact – that’s why we decided to take the best of Australia’s junior surfing talent to Japan for our annual Hot 100 trip. And as you can see from Owen Wright’s froth, it was all we hoped and way more. But one month after this clip was filmed, the Ocean Dome was no more. We saw the last professional surfing the Japanese wave wonderland would ever play host to – and it left us wanting more.
If Tokyo decides to including surfing as a sport in the 2020 Olympics, the Ocean Dome will be reincarnated. And politics of the debate aside, we very much want that to happen.
And we bet Wilko, Jules, Owen, Jay Davies, Heath Joske and Mitch Coleborn will back us up. Just scroll down for the evidence (and relish in the baby-faces of your favourite pro surfers).
*Surfing, karate, baseball/softball, skateboarding, sports climbing
