Surfing Short Listed For The 2020 Olympics

It has been announced this morning that Surfing, along with 4 other sports, has made the final recommendations list for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The final decision on whether surfing has made the cut will be made next August.

Here’s what the Tokyo organising committee had to say about their new selections:

“This package of events represents both traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, all of which are popular both in Japan and internationally”

Whilst its currently a little unclear how it would work and weather the WSL would allow its athletes to compete, or whether the field would be made up of those not already competing in their events (so free surfers and sponsored but non-qs surfers?) they do seem pleased about the news, releasing the following statement:

“We are pleased that surfing has been recommended for inclusion in the 2020 Games by the Tokyo Olympic Organizers,” said Kieren Perrow, Commissioner of the World Surf League, the sport’s professional governing body. “Surfing’s international growth over the past few years, its loyal and enthusiastic fans combined with its globally-recognized athletes makes it an ideal sport to showcase on the Olympic stage. We’re excited to show billions of Olympic viewers the athleticism and artistry of these world-class surfers.”

We look forward to further developments over the coming months.

Cover image courtesy of WebberWavePools.com