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Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi is going back to his strength when the next Summer Olympics come around in four years’ time, to be staged in California, where he was born and raised.
Heading into what would be his career highlight, the 27-year-old said he is keen on further honing his trademark aerials after an anticlimactic end to the Paris Olympics this summer.
Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi speaks during an interview in Ichinomiya, Chiba Prefecture, on Oct. 20, 2024. (Kyodo)
The Tokyo Olympics silver medalist was looking to go one better in Teahupo’o in late July but failed to find the iconic, large Tahiti swell in the third round that instead went to eventual bronze medalist Gabriel Media of Brazil.
“I couldn’t catch the rhythm of the waves,” Igarashi told a recent interview in Ichinomiya, Chiba Prefecture. “As surfing deals with nature, no tactics would work 100 percent. I was frustrated but also learned a lot.”
Having begun surfing at just 3 at Huntington Beach in California, under the guidance of his father, Igarashi knows what to expect and what areas to work on.
“(In Teahupo’o) wave selection was more important than skills. That will not be the case in the next Olympics (in Los Angeles),” he said. “I’ll psyche myself up even more.”
“I’m concentrating on aerials more than before and training in the gym. I want to raise my success rate from 60 to 80, 90 percent. I’m more conscious about connecting each skill better.”
Igarashi, who will continue his development in the World Surf League’s elite Championship Tour, sees plenty of potential to be fulfilled in himself.
“Until the Olympics, I’ll be putting my energy into becoming the world champion,” Igarashi said. “I believe my peak is still four, five, six years away, (but) I won’t just be waiting for it.”
“I know the waves well, I’m confident and it gives me motivation. I’m really looking forward to it.”
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