Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, December 13, 2024 79° Today's Paper


Sports BreakingTop News

Carissa Moore and Caroline Marks qualify for the U.S. women’s Olympic surfing team

HONOLUA BAY, Maui >> Carissa Moore of Honolulu and Caroline Marks of Melbourne Beach, Fla., qualified for the two spots on the U.S. women’s Olympic surfing team today.

Moore, a Punahou graduate, and Marks finished as the top two American women on the 2019 World Surf League rankings. Lakey Peterson of Santa Barbara, Calif., who entered the final event of the season ranked No. 2 in the world behind Moore, missed a spot on the Olympic team when she was eliminated in the round of 16 and Marks advanced to the quarterfinals at the Lululemon Maui Pro today.

Marks, 17, came into the final event ranked third in the world.

While the top three women in the WSL rankings are American, only two surfers per gender per nation can compete when surfing makes its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.

Kolohe Andino of San Clemente, Calif., has already earned one of the U.S. men’s spots. The second spot will be determined following the Billabong Pipe Masters event starting today. Haleiwa’s John John Florence, who is No. 8 in the world, will try to hold off 11-time world champion Kelly Slater of Cocoa Beach, Fla., who is 10th in the world.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.