U.S. Olympic Surfers Colapinto, Florence Eyeing Tahiti for Paris Gold

Griffin Colapinto and John John Florence are not only excited to represent the U.S. in surfing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but are also using the current World Surf League event in Tahiti to familiarize themselves with the Olympic competition site.

Griffin Colapinto and John John Florence may not be in Paris with their fellow United States Olympians this summer, but they are already envisioning themselves on the podium, draped in the American flag, and representing their country in surfing at the 2024 Summer Games.

The surfing competition for both men and women will be held in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, a site that is not only known for its pristine waves but also for its historical significance in the sport of surfing.

Colapinto, who qualified for his first Olympics last year, is eager to represent the U.S. and Hawaii, where surfing is deeply rooted in the culture. "To me, it means just being a proud American," Colapinto said. "Just being proud of America and coming from a country that has so many rad people and a lot of entrepreneurs and people creating their own life for themselves. Big dreams and being able to create your own life — that’s what America represents. So, I’m super proud of being able to represent the U.S."

Florence, a two-time WSL champion and Olympic veteran, is also excited to wear the American flag and compete for his country once again. "I think representing your country and representing the place you're from — me being from Hawaii, which is the epicenter of surfing," he said. "And there's so much history with the Olympics and Hawaii, having 'The Duke' (Duke Kahanamoku) being a gold medalist in swimming and kinda being the grandfather of surfing. There's a lot of meaning and a lot of power behind it. I definitely love to represent the place that I come from, the place that raised me and supported me. Everything from growing up to where I am today."

While the Olympics are undoubtedly a major honor, both Colapinto and Florence understand the importance of staying focused on the task at hand and not putting too much pressure on themselves. "I don’t really add too much pressure to myself with the Olympics," Colapinto said. "It’s just, to me, an opportunity to get the icing on top of the cake, really."

Florence, who finished ninth in surfing at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, admitted that his first experience was "definitely scary," but he has since learned to simplify the event and focus on surfing as he would in any other competition. "I think that’s what I took from it. I don’t have to overthink this, and I’m surfing in another event here. Simplifying as much as possible."

In addition to the competition, Colapinto and Florence are also enjoying the camaraderie that has developed among the U.S. surfers in Tahiti. "Training and things like that, it's really fun. It builds these new relationships," Florence said. "Last time, I got to do it with Kolohe [Andino], Carissa [Moore], and Caroline [Marks]. Having the team we have this year, it's so fun to hang with these surfers, get to know them better. Train, surf, and hang out with them."

When they return to Tahiti for the Olympics, Colapinto and Florence will be ready to put their friendship aside and compete for gold. "To win the gold medal," Florence said, smiling, when asked about his goals for the Games.

Carissa Moore and Caroline Marks will once again represent the U.S. in the women's surfing event. They will be joined by Colapinto and Florence, who will be eager to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring home the gold for their country.