Caroline Marks Triumphs in Women’s Surfing at Paris 2024, Defay and Weston-Webb Take Silver and Bronze

Caroline Marks continued the USA’s legacy in women’s surfing by securing the gold medal on Monday, August 5, at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Marks’ victory marked the second consecutive Olympic gold for American surfers in this category, following Carissa Moore’s triumph at Tokyo-2020.

In a thrilling final, the 22-year-old Marks edged out Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb with a score of 10.50 to 10.33, a slim margin of 0.17 points.

Earlier in the competition, France’s Johanne Defay captured the bronze medal by defeating Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy with a score of 12.66. This was one of two surfing medals for the host nation on Monday, with Kauli Vaast winning gold in men’s-event.

The women’s final began slowly, with both Marks and Weston-Webb patiently waiting for optimal waves. Ten minutes into the 30-minute heat, neither surfer had scored above 1.0. Marks then seized the opportunity on a solid set wave, executing a clean barrel ride to earn a 7.50. Weston-Webb responded with a smaller but strong wave, scoring a 5.83.

As the heat progressed, Marks struggled to find a high second score, managing a 3.00. In the closing moments, she attempted another big barrel but wiped out, leaving a chance for Weston-Webb. Needing a 4.68 to clinch gold, Weston-Webb attacked a small wave with powerful turns, but it wasn’t enough to surpass Marks’ score.

Overjoyed on the beach, Marks, who finished fourth at Tokyo 2020, expressed her emotions to Olympics.com:. “I’m so honored and so happy, this is just incredible and I’m so emotional. I’m so happy to do this for my family and everyone back home. Wow, I’m just so happy.”

Weston-Webb shared in the celebration, saying, “It means a lot; I’ve worked really hard for this. Been a dream for a long time, and to do it on a wave I love is even more of an honor. I feel blessed to be here.”

In the bronze-medal match, Defay showcased her powerful surfing, combining strong backside turns with a solid barrel ride to outscore Hennessy, who finished fourth with a 4.93. Defay reflected on her achievement, saying, “I thought before the competition that I would represent my country well. It means a lot for me. I knew this competition in Tahiti would be very hard and difficult, a big fight. It means a lot of sacrifice. I’m really, really happy with this medal.”

Surfing: Women’s Podium