After Tokyo Setback, Surfing Icon Carlos Munoz Won’t Let a Dislocated Shoulder Stand in His Way of Making It to Paris

The lineup of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is taking shape, and Puerto Rican surfer Carlos Munoz might secure his spot. Munoz has made it his personal goal to compete in the biggest surfing event of the year, motivating him to stick to a rigorous training routine. However, the deck of setbacks from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: a flight delay and a serious injury make him wiser and hungrier than the rest.

The 31-year-old surfer is back, determined, showing champion resilience, and seeking Tokyo redemption. For now, the goal is a safe and sound qualifying for the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico.

Carlos Munoz returns for an epic surf fight

Carlos Munoz first missed the final flight to the Tokyo Olympics due to two consecutive 40-minute delays. As his heat was announced, he was mid-boarding to another airport. Munoz’s name read “Did Not Start” in the opening round. The legendary surfer was later hurt at the opening event at Pipeline as he thought back on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Munoz told Olympics.com, “I prepare myself for that, like 12 years trying, and finally qualify and hurt myself,” calling it an “emotional rollercoaster.”

Munoz faced another setback in the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games, where he dislocated his shoulder while attempting massive air during the repechage round. He rode his board along with an incredible show of fortitude and popped his shoulder back into place. He then paddled back into the line-up, ensuring he would stay in the Games.

Munoz is the first surfer in the family and points out, “Over there, the people only play baseball,” adding: “Me and my brother, we are the first generation that we surf. We were living in the city and my mum moved, looking for a better life in the coast.” Now, his three children have taken to the waves carrying on the surfing tradition. Meanwhile, he’s focused on earning one of the six men’s quota spots for Paris 2024 in the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games.

2024 Paris Olympics spots qualifier

The ISA World Surfing Games, the last qualifying event for the Summer Olympics, are currently underway in the little town of Arecibo. Munoz has his sights set on the Olympics after fulfilling his lifelong aim of making it to the WCT. “We had one Olympian who won a gold medal, Claudia Poll Ahrens in swimming, a long time ago,” Munoz said, reflecting on Costa Rica’s Olympic past. “She’s a hero for us. And for me, it would be amazing just to be able to open the gate for many kids in Costa Rica, that dreams can happen,” added Munoz.

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Munoz is currently sharing the waves with surfing talents from Poland, Portugal, and Indonesia as he competes fiercely for a spot in Paris. While fans are hoping for a trouble-free journey to Paris with no injuries, they eagerly await Munoz’s confirmation of his spot and are considering purchasing an early ticket to ensure they don’t miss another Olympic flight.

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