CASUARINA, NSW (August 17th, 2023): Based on 2023 World Surf League rankings and competition results at Tahiti where Molly progressed to the Quarter Finals, Molly Picklum has secured the WSL ranking requirement for qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Australian surfers can qualify for the Games by finishing as one of the top 2 Australian surfers in the top 8 (women’s) or top 10 (men’s) in the 2023 WSL rankings, and by attending all required qualification events under the ISA Paris 2024 qualification system. There is a further chance to qualify additional athletes at the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games.
In July 2024, Surfing Australia will nominate those athletes who have satisfied the Surfing Australia Paris 2024 nomination criteria to the Australian Olympic Committee for selection to the Irukandjis Team.
Molly Picklum has been a standout performer all year with three finals and seven quarter finals appearances, including a win at Sunset Beach, which now guarantees she finishes in the top 8 on the 2023 WSL Rankings, therefore earning a provisional place to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Picklum told the WSL after bowing out in her Quarter final:
“To have the dangling carrot along the road to come back here and figure out such a scary lineup excites me. It’s a whole other journey in itself and I’m really willing to take it on. I think it’s really cool the Olympics is here (Tahiti). To do your country proud and wear your country on the Jersey will make me probably go bigger waves and go harder and make better decisions which means I get cooler moments for myself as well, I’m looking forward to it!”
Kate Wilcomes, Surfing Australia National High-Performance Director said:
“A massive congratulations to Molly and her support team. Her approach to seeking growth through experience over the last 5 years has been inspiring. I have no doubt that Molly is as excited as we are to see her now perform on the Olympic stage and combine all her experiences for a medal-winning performance at the Games!”
Surfing made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where Owen Wright won the bronze medal for Australia.
A big thank you to the Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Olympic Committee for their support throughout this Olympic campaign.
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