Surfing: The scene at Teahupo’o after Vaast’s (FRA) win
Kauli Vaast of Team France first surfed Teahupo’o when he was 8 years old. He grew up just a short distance from the famed lefthander. Now twenty-two years old, Vaast has just won an Olympic Gold Medal surfing in his own backyard.Â
According to Olympics.com surf reporter Ash Tulloch, who is on scene in Tahiti, it was an outwardly emotional scene on the water and on the beach once Vaast’s win was official:
"The water has gone crazy. Lifeguards in tears – hands in the air- cheering and whistling. This is their local hero and the pride is oozing. A huge circle has been created around Kauli by boats and jet skis. Hands in the air constantly. His hero and idol Jeremy Flores [Team France’s coach] has also jumped on the ski with him and is elated."