The Irukandjis are off to a strong start at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico, where they’re hoping to secure another two spots in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
After three days of competition, Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum‘s winning form continues. The pair, who took out the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach just last week, have advanced to Main Round 3 at the World Surfing Games after dominating their earlier heats.
Picklum, the current WSL World No. 1, arrived straight off the plane from Hawaii and into the waters of Puerto Rico, where she achieved the highest single wave score on day one of competition, an 8.67. Continuing her groundbreaking performances on the North Shore, Picklum drove into the strongest turn of the day, absolutely decimating the lip of an El Pico left on her backhand.
Robinson, the current WSL World No. 2, also posted one of the highest scores as he made his first appearance in an ISA event.
Tyler Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Ethan Ewing have comfortably moved into Main Round 3 as well, while Morgan Cibilic will have to work his way through the repechage rounds.
Teams from 55 nations are battling it out in pursuit of team championship medals, individual medals, and the all-important Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualification slots.
Team Australia coach, Bede Durbidge said: “The team we have has so much fire power. Everyone will be out to get that extra spot but I believe we have the team and coaching staff to deliver for Australia.”
Full results and scores via the ISA website HERE.
Follow the Irukandjis HERE.
Day 4 of competition will resume at 8:00am AST with men’s Repechage Round 2 at Rastrial and women’s Repechage Round 2 at El Pico.
Surfing Australia is thankful for the support it has received from the Australian Government – through the Australian Sports Commission – to help enhance the Irukandjis medal chances at Paris 2024.
The Irukandjis are proudly presented by Hyundai.
About the Irukandjis:
The name ‘Irukandjis’ was generously gifted to Surfing Australia by the local Yirrganydji people of North Queensland, driven by the efforts of Indigenous athlete and former World Tour surfer, Soli Bailey.
‘The Irukandjis: Deadly in the Water,’ the team’s namesake and tagline, is inspired by the Irukandji jellyfish—an extremely venomous species that inhabits Australian marine waters.
Australian representatives across all surfing genres, including Junior, Open, Masters, Olympic, Longboard, Big Wave, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), and Adaptive disciplines, compete under The Irukandjis’ national identity and united colours at international events such as the Olympics, ISA World Surfing Games, WSL World Juniors, and Longboard Championships.
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