Owen’s win today has propelled him up the WSL Jeep Leaderboard rankings to 8th in the world, which also makes him the highest ranked Australian surfer in the world. Looking towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, this puts Owen is a comfortable position to vie for a coveted spot on the Australian Olympic Surf Team.
Runner-up Gabriel Medina has also risen in the rankings with his second-place finish in the Tahiti Pro. Now sitting 4th on the WSL Jeep Leaderboard, Gabriel is looking towards the final events of the year as a strong opportunity to fight for his third World Title.
“The Final today was amazing,” Gabriel said. “We got nice waves the whole contest, and Owen really deserved that one. I’m happy for him and I was stoked to be in the Final with him again. Last year I won, and today he got me. That’s amazing, and I love to compete against him. I am happy to get second.
“From here I am thinking about the World Title. I have to enjoy this momentum and use it. It’s been hard to find the rhythm this year but now I feel like I’m there.”
Just minutes after the Final heat finished, Gabriel was already looking towards the next event – his next opportunity to solidify himself in the World Title race.
“Now,” he said. “I’m just thinking about the wave pool.”
The 2019 Tahiti Pro was an event to remember, and both Owen Wright and Gabriel Medina put on a show.
Congratulations to our 2019 Tahiti Pro Champion Owen Wright, and runner-up Gabriel Medina.