STAIRMAND, VETTE NAMED TO NEW ZEALAND SURFING TEAM FOR PARIS OLYMPICS

Billy Stairmand and Saffi Vette will carry the surfing flag for New Zealand at this year's Paris Olympics.

Raglan's Stairmand - an eight-time national champion - will represent New Zealand at the Games for a second time, after making his maiden appearance at Tokyo 2020. 

"It's unbelievable to be going to my second Olympics," said Stairmand. "I'm super proud.

"I'm stoked to be representing New Zealand again and I know I can do something special over there." 

Gisborne's Vette will make her Olympics debut, after recently securing a place on the prestigious World Surf League Challenger Series.

"Dad introduced me to surfing and I'm so grateful for that," said Vette.

"I want to work hard for something that he's given me, this opportunity to excel in a sport that I love. I also want to thank my mum as well, she's always been amazing and has really helped me to keep the dream alive these past few years.  

"I wouldn't be where I am without them and without the community I've had around me."

The pair just returned from two weeks at the Olympics venue of Tahiti's famous Teahupoʻo, where they've been getting accustomed to the break renowned as one of the best in the world 

"The wave itself is intense," said Stairmand. "It's short and sharp and really critical.

"There's no room for errors, but I learnt so much on my last trip over there. I got some amazing barrels, and became way more comfortable and confident in that lineup."

The Olympic surfing competition takes place over four days in a nine-day swell window from July 27-August 4.   

2024-05-06T23:42:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd