Over 15,000 kilometers from the Seine River in Paris, the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympics also marked a significant event in another part of the world: Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. While more than 200 delegations paraded through the French capital, 48 surfers in Tahiti prepared to make history in Olympic surfing.

This year marks the second time surfing has been included in the Olympic program, following its debut at Tokyo 2020. The decision to host the competition in Tahiti was driven by the less favorable surf conditions in the waters surrounding France during the summer. In contrast, Tahiti's waves provide an ideal environment for competitors.

Among the surfers representing their countries in this discipline is Mexican athlete Alan Cleland, who proudly donned the gear of the Aztec delegation during the event’s opening. Tahiti's selection for the surfing competition highlights a commitment to excellence in the sport and ensures that athletes can showcase their full potential in optimal conditions.

With surfing's inclusion in the Olympics, Tahiti becomes the epicenter of action, offering athletes a spectacular and challenging venue to compete in a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity on the Olympic stage.