If Brazil wins the ISA 2024 and the three-time champion fails to qualify for Paris through the CT, the decision seems obvious; the big question would be whether they qualify directly: Italo, Yago or Chumbinho?
Last year, it was striking how relatively weak or not so strong the teams that participated in the ISA World Surfing Games were… Let us remember that the men's and women's teams that win the tournament earn a third place for Paris 2024, which is handpicked by the federation and the country's Olympic committee.
Japan in the men's category and the United States in the women's category were the nations that took the third slot. Names such as Masatoshi Ohno and Moana Jones, specialists in poles, began to be mentioned as possible candidates to fill that spot.
It seems that now that countries like Brazil are realizing how important it is to have that third place, the World Cup in Puerto Rico is going to be a little more difficult.
Brazil and the United States are certainly more than motivated: Brazil because it is currently seeing Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira being left out and the United States wants to bring Slater, so that he can say goodbye in the best way he wants to in the best race in world sport.
If everything stays as is, the rankings will be: Filipe and Chumbinho will qualify. Who will Brazil take with them if they win the ISA World Surfing Games?
Medina's record at Teahupoo is impeccable:
2019: 2nd
2018: 1nd
2017: 2nd
2016: 3nd
2015: 2nd
2014: 1nd
2013: 13nd
2012: 5nd
Between 2014 and 2019, the worst he ever placed was third. Compared to Italo and Dora, there is no doubt; the best result for both Yago and Italo at Teahupoo was fifth.
The real question, or the problem to decide, would come if Medina manages to get into the Brazilian team directly, displacing Chumbinho… As long as Brazil wins the ISA in Puerto Rico, who would deserve to go to Paris 2024? Chumbinho, Italo or Dora.
We have two surfers with a lot of mediocre results already proven in Teahupoo and a young man who loves barrel waves. In that case, I would go for Chumbinho, but due to the weight of names and the pressure exerted, the Brazilian Olympic Committee and the Brazilian Surfing Confederation would choose Italo Ferreira, so that he can defend his medal.
The next leg of the world tour will take place from August 11 to 20 in Teahupoo, and will determine the members of the finals that take place between September 8 and 16.
The 2024 ISA World Championships in Puerto Rico will provisionally take place between February 22 and March 2 in Margara.
