The inclusion of surfing in Tokyo 2020 has in most cases acted as a giant injection of government money to national federations in almost every country in the world.

Great Britain is the exception that proves the rule.

Last week, a joint statement from the surfing associations of the British nations, which include England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, said that as they find it “difficult” for a British surfer to make it to the Games, there would be no support.

The press release reads: “We have made the funding request to Sports Great Britain with all relevant information. After extensive analysis they have determined that it is unlikely that any British surfer will win a medal at Tokyo 2020. Their investments are focused only on medal-winning performances to inspire our nation.”

He added: “It is still to be confirmed whether surfing will be included in the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Games, which makes investing in the sport a challenge. We will work to collectively find a source of funding.”

It's interesting how while for many countries surfing has become a huge opportunity to get one more athlete to the Olympics, for England the mentality is just for whoever goes to win a medal.

Because especially in Europe, France will surely guarantee its quotas through the CT (with Duru and Flores next year), then Portugal will surely achieve it with Frederico Morais, and from then on there will be places to fill from the continent.

But Britain is not interested, they want medals.