Gisborne’s Saffi Vette was confirmed yesterday as one of two surfers in the New Zealand team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Vette and Raglan professional Billy Stairmand will wear the New Zealand colours in the surf of Teahupoʻo in Tahiti, which is regarded as one of the most epic reef breaks in the world.
Paris will be the second Olympic Games for eight-time national champion Stairmand, while it will mark the debut for Vette, who recently secured a place on the coveted World Surf League Challenger Series, alongside some of the best surfers in the world.
“It’s a dream come true,” she said.
“I watched the Olympics growing up but never thought surfing would be involved.
“It’s a huge opportunity to be amongst so many amazing athletes and it’s a pretty massive achievement for a girl from Gisborne.”
The accomplishment is particularly meaningful for Vette. The 22-year-old lost her father, Andrew, in 2020. She says he was the driving force behind her surfing.
“Dad introduced me to surfing and I’m so grateful for that.
“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 [Vanessa] 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.”
Vette is the second Gisborne athlete confirmed for Paris.
Alicia Hoskin will compete alongside Dame Lisa Carrington in the sprint kayaking.
The Olympic surfing competition will take place over four days in a nine-day swell window, from July 27 to August 4.
