Lakey Peterson and Gabriel Medina Win Freshwater Pro
Two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina of Brazil is the winner of the 2019 Freshwater Pro for the second time in his career with Lakey Peterson of the United States winner the event for the first time . (Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images)

Lakey Peterson and Gabriel Medina Win Freshwater Pro

Lakey Peterson and Gabriel Medina won the World Surf League Freshwater Pro presented by Outerknown today in California at Kelly Slaters Surf Ranch.

Lakey Peterson and Gabriel Medina won the World Surf League Freshwater Pro presented by Outerknown today. Peterson and Medina bested their respective fields at the famous Kelly Slaters Surf Ranch in Lemoore.

Peterson’s and Medina’s wins put the 2019 World Title race in full swing with Peterson vaulting up to No. 2 on the World Rankings and Medina climbing to World No. 1. The 2019 CT will not only decide the prestigious World Title but will also determine who from the world’s elite will qualify to represent their country at surfing’s Olympic debut in Tokyo next year. 

Lakey Peterson captures Second CT Win, moves to No.2 on World Rankings

“I just can’t believe it, I feel like God was just with me on that one and I gave it everything I had,” Peterson said. “It all just came together today and it’s super special. I want to dedicate this win to everyone who was a part of the climate strike after watching everything on TV yesterday and how much our Earth needs our help right now.” 

A heated Final came alive between the remaining Top 4 women and event standout Johanne Defay (FRA) shined bright right away with another near-perfect score of a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) on the righthander. In the end, it came down to Peterson and Defay as the last two women standing and fireworks ensued on the bonus waves to determine the 2019 winner. The Santa Barbara, California native brought her clutch form from overtaking Courtney Conlogue (USA) to earn her spot into the Final and did so once more with an incredible air-reverse, earning a 9.33 when needing an excellent score, on her final attempt to capture the win.

Lakey Peterson and Gabriel Medina Win Freshwater Pro
Lakey Peterson of the United States is the Champion of the 2019 Freshwater Pro (Photo by Kenny Morris/WSL via Getty Images)

“That one was just so clutch,” continued Peterson. “The year’s been so up and down with so many different emotions. Obviously, for the World Title, this was huge to win it and with Caroline (Marks) and Carissa (Moore) right there for the Olympics, there’s a lot going on. I’m just so thankful.”

Defay’s runner-up finish marks her best result of the season. Defay moved up one spot to No. 9 on the Jeep Leaderboard and is in a great position to represent France at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The Frenchwoman’s composure throughout the event was unbreakable, even heading into the Final alongside Peterson, over eventual fourth-place finisher Caroline Marks (USA) and three-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW)who exited in third place.

“I knew Lakey (Peterson) would put on such a show and she deserved it,” said Defay. Her surfing above the lip was crazy and I’m happy for second place. This is going to be good for my confidence heading to France and this year I’ve felt like things haven’t gone my way with opportunities, which put me down in the rankings. It’s going to be difficult, but it will definitely be good so hopefully, I can stay in this mood. Surfing is going in such an incredible direction and I’m happy where I’m at.”

Gabriel Medina Defends Surf Ranch Victory and Takes Over as World No. 1 

Gabriel Medina’s comeback is in full swing with his second win at the Surf Ranch. The Brasilian’s opening runs in the Final eventually secured his second win in three events this season and sent him from World No. 4 to No. 1 to begin a surge toward a third World Title. Medina’s aerial assaults on the lefthander proved insurmountable once again after earning a near-perfect 9.93 to begin his Final and immediately backing it up with an 8.93 on his backhand. 

“It feels amazing and it’s been a long three days for me but it’s amazing to get the win against these guys – they are the best in the world,” Medina said. “Those two first waves of the Final felt really good and it’s amazing to beat guys like Juilan (Wilson), Filipe (Toledo), Owen (Wright), and (Griffin) Colapinto, they all surf amazing. Now hopefully I can keep up my results to the end. I’m really happy with my performance here and these are really important points.”

Lakey Peterson and Gabriel Medina Win Freshwater Pro
Two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina of Brazil is the winner of the 2019 Freshwater Pro for the second time in his career . (Photo by Kelly Cestari/WSL via Getty Images)

Once more Filipe Toledo (BRA) earned runner-up with another brilliant performance throughout the week that included multiple, near-perfect rides including a 9.63 in the Final. But the 24-year-old sustained an injury on his second runs which plagued Toledo with pain heading into the bonus waves. With a vital homestretch ahead Toledo will prepare as best he can after taking on the world’s best in amazing fashion. 

“It was really amazing and nervous moments being on the screen before that Final but it was the motivation at the same time,” Toledo said. “I did those last few waves because the crowd was just feeding me energy and I have to thank the WSL staff for doing everything they could to take the pain away. I’m so stoked for Gabriel with an incredible performance, as well as Lakey and Johanne, and also the whole leaderboard – everyone just came out swinging on the first waves which I was not expecting.”

“Now I’ll relax a little bit, my plan was to do Ericeira but now I don’t think I’ll be able to,” Toledo added about his injury. “I’ll still go and try to put the jersey to see what’s up but then head straight to France to work with doctors there. I’ll get through these three last contests and maybe get that Title.” 

Lakey Peterson and Gabriel Medina Win Freshwater Pro
Filipe Toledo of Brazil surfing in the bonus round of the 2019 Freshwater Pro
(Photo by Cait Miers/WSL via Getty Images)

Source: World Surf League

Gold Coast Magazine

Gold Coast Magazine

Our in-house team and affiliates bringing you the latest in Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment from around the globe and the great stories of the Gold Coast

In a surprising turn of events, Black Hops Brewery announced today via social media that the company would be entering voluntary administration

In a surprising turn of events, Black Hops Brewery announced today via social media that the company would be entering voluntary administration

Widespread media reports are announcing the cancellation of the 2024 Splendour in the Grass Event just two weeks after they announced this years lineup.

Widespread media reports are announcing the cancellation of the 2024 Splendour in the Grass Event just two weeks after they announced this years lineup.

Uncover the secret to an unforgettable Easter feast with Elk Espresso's tantalizing Bird's Nest Hotcakes - your taste buds won't want to miss this!

Uncover the secret to an unforgettable Easter feast with Elk Espresso’s tantalizing Bird’s Nest Hotcakes – your taste buds won’t want to miss this!

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Zanthii Communications' Director, Joanne Rahn, and her mother, Marilyn West, recently hosted their 18th consecutive Sovereign Islands &

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Zanthii Communications’ Director, Joanne Rahn, and her mother, Marilyn West, recently hosted their 18th consecutive Sovereign Islands & Surrounds Monthly Community Luncheon

With the Rip Curl Pro on the horizon, Bells Beach is set to become the ultimate battleground for surfing's finest, where adrenaline-pumping action and perfect

With the Rip Curl Pro on the horizon, Bells Beach is set to become the ultimate battleground for surfing’s finest, where adrenaline-pumping action and perfect waves collide across the easter break

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Boo Seeka as we explore the creative process behind his latest album 'Midnight Highlight' and gear up for

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Boo Seeka as we explore the creative process behind his latest album ‘Midnight Highlight’ and gear up for his nationwide tour

Discover Act of Treason: Australia's pioneering agave spirit reshaping the global landscape. Read more about its innovative journey in Queensland

Discover Act of Treason: Australia’s pioneering agave spirit reshaping the global landscape. Read more about its innovative journey in Queensland

Dine amidst nature at Farm & Co Restaurant in the Tweed Valley. Offering farm-fresh, organic eats on a 52-acre farm, it's a perfect mix of

Dine amidst nature at Farm & Co Restaurant in the Tweed Valley. Offering farm-fresh, organic eats on a 52-acre farm, it’s a perfect mix of rustic charm and gourmet flavours.