Cover photo: Zanocchi. Featuring: International Surfing Association y Surf School Tubes 

Peruvian Sofía Mulanovich put her name back in the history books and at 36 years old won the most competitive World Surfing Games in history after beating Silvana Lima (BRA), Bianca Buitendag (RSA), and Carissa Moore (USA) in that order, in a very close final.

Mulanovich trusted her backside, Miyazaki's north court point worked all day with perfect rights and lefts from half to one meter and the Peruvian was smart in choosing the best lefts and attacking them from the backside, her lifelong specialty.

She quickly added 5,6, then a 6,5 and that put her in the lead that she never let go of. Even after her leash broke with 10 minutes to go, she found another left and separated herself further from her opponents.

The other three had their best wave higher than Mulanovich's best and required a low score throughout the series that they never found.

“I am so happy, this is incredible, it is a dream come true and I am speechless,” the Peruvian told DUKE after leaving the final, also stating that when things have to go their way, everything conspires especially the fact that she broke her leash and the other surfers who needed a low score did not get it.

"Everything conspired, I think that's how it is when you win championships, everything conspires in your favor and that's why I thank all the people who sent me special energy, to the sea... I get mystical, but it's the truth, it's what I feel. Thanks to Peru and my family, they give me all the motivation, and up Peru!" said Sofia.

Reflecting on what she felt when she heard the double horn blast that crowned her champion, she explained: "I still can't believe it, maybe tomorrow, but right now I'm in shock."

The final result left Mulanovich with 13,8 (7,2+6,6), Silvana Lima with 12,77 (7,6+5,17), Bianca Buitendag with 12,64 (7,6+5) and Carissa Moore with 12,6 (7,77+4,87).

Mulanovich had won this tournament in 2004 in Ecuador, the same year she won the WSL title. Then, in 2011 in Playa Venao, Panama, she won the runner-up title. At 36 years old, semi-retired, competing in certain events, she reached the most competitive World Surfing Games in history and won them.

With this, she joins the select group of two-time ISA Games champions, a feat that was only achieved by the Australian Sally Fitzgibbons and the now Puerto Rican, formerly American, Tia Blanco.

On the other hand, Sofia's victory puts Peru in a good position to fight for the team podium.

The men's event began after the medal ceremony, in which, once again, the Peruvian anthem was heard in foreign waters.