Kauli Vaast, the Olympic darling, has a fairytale ending: “I had a tremendous connection with the ocean.” From hometown hero to Paris 2024 champion.
It was the day of Kauli Vaast. Photo by Morgan Maasen
Kauli VAAST
Having a surf
August 5, 2024. a day that will live on in Tahitian history because of 22-year-old Kauli Vaast’s determination and willpower. Not only a hometown hero anymore, but currently an Olympic surfer.
The hometown lad represented the aspirations of the French Polynesian people, carrying both their affection and his skill set into the championship round, where he emerged victorious as the Paris 2024 Teahupo’o king.
For the island inhabitants, hosting the Games and opening their island to the world was a storybook finale. They encouraged Vaast to persevere, and he arose to the situation as though expressing gratitude for their ardent and committed backing.
Olympic gold for men in Paris 2024 goes to Kauli Vaast.
Caroline Marks of the USA surfing gold
Vaast took on Jack Robinson of Australia on a day when challenging weather put the surfers to the test.
Vaast appeared cool and collected before the heat, having served his time in the water. He easily rode the wave of the day and received a near flawless 9.5 score.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Vaast entered the final and took control of the situation by punching through on the most exquisite open-faced barrel of the day. He had the right to lose.
The shouts of the locals chanting from the boats were “Kauli, Kauli.” His devoted fans, family, and friends are rooting for him.
He supported it with an 8.0, which was sufficient to clinch the win and start a new chapter in his life as an Olympic champion.
He told Olympics.com, “Winning the Olympics at home on the best wave in the world is really something amazing for me.” Today in the final, we had huge waves—it was simply ridiculous.
Upon hearing the last hooter, the several boats burst into applause and whistles. Seeing that scene was really something special. It was a sensation more than a sound. a sense of reverence for the island’s population. Kauli seemed to be returning the favours to the entire community that had done so much for him.
The jet ski operators all raised their hands. A driver broke down in tears. Their guy was this one. Their victor. Their champion for Teahupo’o.
Around Vaast and his jubilant coach, Jeremy Flores, who was on a jet ski, the boats formed a circle. Vaast’s mouth hanging open, staring up at the sky. The applause from his admirers grew louder with each fist pump and chest beat that he performed.
From the start of the competition, I felt a strong bond with the ocean. It is the result of a great deal of labour and time spent in the water. I have been in the water for a very long period in a variety of conditions. It was difficult at first, but I persisted and didn’t give up, and eventually, it paid off.
“I’m grateful to have gotten the rhythm into such a significant competition. I could actually feel the mana, which is the spirit and energy that all of the Polynesians offer to me. Mana is what we have here. It was very unique. stated Vaast.
The ocean nearly stilled when Vaast and her supporters moved out of the way as the women’s final got underway. They led the group to the coast. The fans on land did not hold back when it came to saying what they had to say.
As he swung past with his lap of honour, the fan zone exploded in excitement. As he approached the pontoon and the waiting media, the event started to truly hit home.
“I wanted to be among the top surfers because I enjoy surfing and spending hours out there. I’m used to surfing that wave, and I think it’s the best wave in the world. Surfing both little and large waves gives me the best feeling and vision of my life. Only Teahuo’o in this manner. I never imagined that a day like today would arrive, and suddenly this incredible dream has materialised. I just achieved such a huge desire and objective,” Vaast remarked.
As the French surfer accepted his medal and started to celebrate his Olympic gold, the hugs and tears didn’t stop.
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