SURFING DEBUTS AS AN OLYMPIC SPORT AT THE TOKYO 2021 GAMES
Surfing takes its place as an Olympic sport during the Tokyo games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach in Japan from July 25 through August 1. How to watch? Follow the International Surfing Association for updates. San Diegans have had a major role in this long-awaited development as showcased in the San Diego Union Tribune’s opinion pages. Spoiler alert – after the legendary surfer and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku planted the seed of an Olympic surf event over 50 years ago, this seed started to grow again a while ago in…La Jolla.
SAN DIEGO’S ROLE IN THE OLYMPIC SURF DEBUT
„San Diego, besides staying classy, has a solid claim as to how surfing managed to beat out numerous other sports trying to stay, or even break into, the coveted Olympic Games.“ says Surf Diva co-owner Izzy Tihanyi in the new San Diego Union Tribune article.
The article was published alongside comments from other San Diegans in the Union Tribune’s opinion section about their take on surfing becoming an Olympic sport for the first time in history this year.
Photo: SurfDiva.com | Fernando Aguerre with Izzy and Coco Tihanyi at Surf Diva’s 20 Years celebration
“ The La Jolla-based International Surfing Association is led by the visionary surf legend and entrepreneur Fernando Aguerre. A personal friend of ours, Aguerre led a decades-long team effort to petition the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow surfing. Rallying the surf industry leaders, Aguerre contacted my twin sister Coco and I to help support the initiative for creating a winning bid to present surfing for IOC consideration.“ KEEP READING
WOMEN’S SURFING AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN TOKYO
In addition to participating in the journey to establish surfing as an Olympic sport, Izzy Tihanyi also emphasizes the importance this has for women’s surfing in general.
“ The women’s side will have equal representation, and hopefully will get a shot at some of the best waves that Japan has to offer to showcase women’s surfing to the globe. With all of the new wave forecasting technology, my hope is that the women’s heats will be run during optimal surfing conditions, so that the competitors can blow us away with their performances, and also inspire more ocean lovers who care about protecting our marine environment.“ Izzy Tihanyi adds.
HOW THE SURF EVENTS AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES INSPIRE YOUNG SURFERS
Continue to read the full UT article here. Along with Izzy, her daughter Annabelle Wirths-Tihanyi was also asked to comment on her take on this new opportunity for surfers from around the globe to participate in the Olympic games. Representing a new young generation of surfers, Annabelle makes an entirely different point:
Photo: SurfDiva.com | Annabelle Wirths-Tihanyi heads out for a surf session at La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego
“ My goal in the future is to become an Olympic gold medalist in the sport of surfing. It’s my dream because surfing is my favorite thing to do, and I want to be able to improve in every way. By getting really good at surfing, I can help share my love of surfing with the world. I want to help other kids learn to surf who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to get to say “hi” to the ocean. The world would be a better place if more people understand the ocean so fewer people will be at risk in the water. Also, they will see plastic and trash in the ocean, and it will help spread awareness to help reduce our use of plastic. “ READ MORE.
Tune in when the Olympic surf events are live at the end of this month and get more information on the background story and the International Surfing Association HERE. The page is also a great resource for making yourself familiar with the judging system, the Olympians, and the latest news.
