Carissa Moore, the reigning Olympic surfing champion, had her sights set on winning gold at the Tokyo Games, but fell short in the quarterfinals of the women’s competition, losing to France’s Johanne Defray in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Despite the disappointment, Moore expressed gratitude for the journey and the opportunity to compete at the highest level. She left the World Surf League in 2023 to focus on preparing for the Paris Games, spending two months training at an Olympic surf site in Tahiti instead of competing on tour.
At 31, Moore is a five-time world champion who cemented her legacy by winning gold at the 2021 Tokyo Games, which marked surfing’s Olympic debut. Following her Olympic success and fifth world title, Moore found herself at a crossroads, contemplating what else she wanted to achieve before potentially starting a family with her husband. Eventually, she made the decision to step back from the WSL Tour, competing in only two events and relinquishing her full-time status after more than a decade of involvement with the league.
Reflecting on her journey, Moore encouraged others to pursue their goals fearlessly and embrace the possibility of failure. She noted that the process of preparing for the Olympics had been fulfilling and had facilitated personal growth both in and out of the water. Despite falling short of her dream of winning another gold medal, Moore expressed pride in her accomplishments and the experiences she had during her time in Tahiti. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to finish her career in such a meaningful way.
While Moore may have fallen short of her goal at the Paris Games, she remains committed to continuing to surf competitively in the future. Although she has not provided specific details about her plans, it is clear that Moore’s love for the sport and dedication to her craft will continue to drive her forward. Her resilience in the face of adversity and willingness to embrace challenges serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the importance of pursuing one’s dreams wholeheartedly and finding fulfillment in the journey, regardless of the outcome.
As she looks back on her Olympic journey, Carissa Moore recognizes the highs and lows of competition, the sacrifices made, and the personal growth experienced along the way. Despite the disappointment of falling short of her goal in Paris, Moore remains grateful for the opportunities she has had and the experiences that have shaped her as an athlete and an individual. Her determination, resilience, and positive attitude serve as a reminder of the importance of pursuing one’s passions with dedication and fearlessness, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Carissa Moore’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of embracing both success and failure in the pursuit of greatness.
