‘Fire’s Burning Extra Strong Now’: 25-Year-Old Californian Surfer Dances With Happiness After Claiming Victory at Rip Curl Pro Portugal

In surfing, a new generation of stars are rising as seasoned veterans gracefully make room. Among these bright luminaries is an American 25-year-old surfer, whose meteoric rise has captivated fans and competitors alike. He was a tour de force at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games and showcased his prowess. Recently, his skills were on full display at the World Surf League event in Portugal, where he reached the finals.

Griffin Colapinto delivered a masterful performance in the final moments of the championship showdown. With the clock ticking down, he unleashed a flawlessly executed, near-perfect ride that left spectators and competitors in awe. This sublime manoeuvre proved to be the deciding factor, propelling Colapinto to his first Championship Tour victory of 2024 in spectacular fashion. However, after the match, Griffin reveals what exactly keeps his flame alive and burning garishly.

Griffin Colapinto is wise beyond his years and shows us he’s a phenom

Australian surf auteurs Tyler Wright and Ethan Ewing showcased their exceptional talent, both reaching the finals. However, their hopes for victory were dashed under the challenging conditions at Supertubos. Two-time world champion Tyler Wright faced a tough defeat against her French rival Johanne Defay, while Ethan Ewing, who had displayed an impressive performance earlier in the day, found himself outmatched by American surfer Griffin Colapinto in the men’s final.

Despite a tiring day of competition, Ethan Ewing managed to secure wins in his quarter-final and semi-final heats. However, it was Griffin Colapinto who stole the spotlight in their thrilling showdown. With a flawless display of skill and precision, Colapinto executed a breathtaking 9.67 barrel ride, securing his first Championship Tour dramatic win of 2024. Expressing his elation, Colapinto shared an inspiring sentiment, stating, “I heard this saying, when the fire’s burning, throw an extra log on it so it burns twice as strong. So, the fire’s burning extra strong now,” beaming from the podium after his victory.

This triumph not only marked a significant milestone in Colapinto’s career but also propelled him up the World Surf League leaderboard by an impressive ten spots, earning him the coveted yellow leader’s jersey. It’s noteworthy to mention that Colapinto had already secured his place in Paris 2024.

Career milestones in 2023 for the 25-year-old wunderkind galore

In the past year of 2023, Griffin Colapinto secured his spot at the men’s surfing competition in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as confirmed by the International Surfing Association. Alongside him, Leonardo Fioravanti of Italy also clinched a berth through their performances at the J-Bay Open stage of the World Surf League Championship Tour 2023, held in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. For Colapinto, this marked his Olympic debut, signaling a breakthrough in his surfing career. His remarkable season saw him rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time in May 2023.

The qualification process for the Paris 2024 Olympics is stringent, with the top 10 eligible male surfers from the 2023 Championship Tour season earning qualification spots. Currently, Fioravanti sits at No. 9 in the world rankings, ensuring his place in the final 10 at the season’s conclusion. Colapinto, ranked second globally, continues to make strides in his career.

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