Brazilian surfer Joao Chianca is set to make waves at the upcoming Paris Olympics, conquering the odds after recovering from a life-threatening injury. The 23-year-old athlete, once ranked fourth in the world, is poised to compete at Tahiti’s renowned Teahupo’o surf break, bringing his inspiring story to the global stage.
Chianca’s ascent in the surfing world has been meteoric. In 2023, only a year after his championship debut, he clinched his first World Surf League (WSL) title in Peniche, Portugal, and secured four top-five finishes on the circuit. Reflecting on his achievements, Chianca expressed pride in his journey. “I was happy to have an excellent year, to start a very good year for my career, where I had my first World Tour victory,” he shared. “I ended up fourth in the rankings and the second-best Brazilian. So I think it was a very good ranking and I’m proud of it.”
However, his path was not without challenges. In December, while training at the famed Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii, Chianca suffered a severe wipeout. He fell unconscious after hitting his head on the reef, suffering a fracture, concussion, and brain bleeding. Rescued after several harrowing minutes underwater, he spent two weeks under medical observation.
Defying expectations, Chianca made a remarkable comeback just six months later at the Surf City El Salvador Pro. He impressed spectators by defeating world number two Griffin Colapinto in the Round of 16 before facing off against three-time world champion Gabriel Medina, ultimately finishing fifth.
“I’m getting very close to my Olympic dream, and I realize that this battle against this injury is almost over,” Chianca said optimistically. “I’m almost really winning, and there’s nothing like the day by day. I keep going, I keep doing what I can to keep going.”
Chianca looks forward to competing in Tahiti, a place he holds dear. “The Olympic wave, where it’s going to take place, is a marvelous place, a wonderful energy. I have a very good relationship with the wave from my free surfing trips there,” he remarked. “It’s a place I like a lot, it’s a place where I have the focus and the goal of doing well in an event there. And now I’m getting a golden opportunity to take part in the biggest sporting event on this wave.”
With determination and resilience, Chianca is prepared for the challenges ahead. “Physically, psychologically, mentally—whatever you want to put on me, I’m ready,” he declared.
The Paris Olympics surfing events in Tahiti promise to be a highlight for sports enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing not only the athletic prowess of competitors like Chianca but also the cultural and natural beauty of the Asia-Pacific region. As global audiences tune in, stories like Chianca’s serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the unifying power of sports.
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Brazil's surfer Chianca ready for Paris after recovering from injury
cgtn.com
