Carissa Moore has taken out her fourth world title in front of a home crowd at Maui, Moore’s victory comes following her provisional qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Although defeating 17-year-old Caroline Marks in the world title fight, the two will represent America together as surfing makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo next year.
“That was crazy and I was trying to keep my focus and emotions in check,” said Moore. “This is incredible! It’s been years of work and years of growing and learning. It’s been a journey and I’ve been really looking forward to this moment, but it hasn’t sunk in yet. So many of my family and friends are here and I’m so excited to share this with them.”
By Carissa Moore clinching he fourth world title, the 27-year-old from Honolulu joins the likes of Lisa Andersen, Wendy Botha and Freida Zamba, Layne Beachley and Stephanie Gilmore, further cementing her name in the history books and also making her the most successful surfer ever from Hawaii surpassing the legendary Andy Irons and John John Florence.
“I dreamed of this moment for a really long time,” continued Moore. “Each world title has been a little different and this one was definitely the hardest. Being in the Title race with Caroline and Lakey has been incredible and they’ve both really pushed me. I wouldn’t be here without my amazing support team. I felt so much love on this journey this year and it really pushed me through. This year I wanted to do things a little differently and my non-profit Moore Aloha has really given me that sense of purpose. It feels like things have come full circle and following in Duke’s footsteps in the Olympics gives me chills just to think about it. I hope to go to Tokyo and spread the aloha spirit and I’m really proud and honoured to represent the USA and in particular Hawaii.”
Moore’s achievement comes following the elimination of opponents Lakey Peterson (USA) and Marks at the lululemon Maui Pro. After Peterson’s elimination yesterday, Marks was the last contender standing to stop Moore. Unfortunately for Marks, she fell to seven-time WSL Champion Gilmore in the Quarterfinals.
