When it comes to the Tahiti Pro, John John Florence can never be far from the spotlight. At last year’s event, the Hawaiian clinched the spot to represent the USA at the Paris Olympics, which is slated to take place in Teahupo’o in late July. While Florence did prove his worth there, fans were disappointed not to get the chance to see the five-time Triple Crown winner face off against Kelly Slater, the other American surfing icon. However, this year, things might get more exciting as the Tahiti Pro 2024 rages on.

On May 21, Florence welcomed his baby boy, which is a bigger thrill than any medal on the planet. However, John has his eyes set on putting the record straight en route to the Olympics, and the ongoing Tahiti Pro offers the perfect opportunity.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, John Florence talked about how the recent development in his personal life made the WSL Championships Tour a difficult responsibility. “It was really hard to leave home, actually, to come and do this“, confessed the two-time world champion surfer. And yet, the prospect of facing Kelly Slater at the tournament once again, 10 years after their legendary heat, seemed to make up for him having to leave his newborn at home and undertake national duties.

“I’ve had a couple of heats against Kelly that’ve been amazing, and it would be incredible to have that rematch again,” stated Florence in the interview. Noting that it has been a long gap since the two Goliaths faced off, the 31-year-old said that it’s about time they locked horns at the coveted WSL event. “I’m still waiting for it,” John confessed.

However, according to the official WSL website, the waves are expected to be considerably large this year at the Tahiti Pro. The “Potential Massive All-Time Swell” will give surfers the opportunity to make the most of the favorable winds while also showing their skills as a way to test the waters before the Olympics. While fans wait to see if the Slater vs Florence rivalry indeed comes to an end on their own playing field, Florence, for one, can’t wait to get on with his second consecutive Games.

John John Florence itching to get back into action

Ahead of the Pipe Pro, which took place in January this year, Florence talked about his high level of anticipation for the Paris Games. There, he admitted that a gold medal in Teahupo’o is what’s keeping him motivated to continue to push himself and leave no stone unturned for his glory moment on the biggest stage of them all. “It the waves are pumping, it will be pretty awesome for surfing“, said Florence in an interview, highlighting that the pitstops on the road to Paris are helping the surfers to collect experience before the big showdown in July and early August.

His excitement couldn’t be held back even in August last year, right after the surfing sensation secured his berth in Paris. “It feels super good. To have a second chance at the Olympics again, especially coming back here to Tahiti, I’m really excited about that,” noted John in an interview.

However, fans wait to see if Slater can come up with his own game plan, should the two meet, and if he is able to disrupt John’s grand plans!