Vahine Fierro (FRA) slows down for some tube time in her Round 3 loss

Surfing: Fierro (FRA) dissappointed by her result but hopeful for what’s ahead 

Team France’s Vahine Fierro is a Teahupo’o local and was considered by many to be a medal favorite here in Tahiti. However, after being unable to find a strong second wave in her Round 3 heat, she has been eliminated despite scoring some of the best barrels of the day so far. 

Olympics.com reporter Ash Tulloch caught up with Fierro shortly after her loss. 

"The conditions were kid of, you know, messy and windy. But there were still some barrels…I fell on 3 really, really good waves so my scores just weren’t that high." explained the goofy foot with visible emotion. 

She added, "It’s not the result I wanted but nothing has ever been given to me on a golden platter…I know that I have to work even harder and that is going to make me grow and be a better human and a better athlete for the next Olympics…I feel so loved [here in Tahiti]. This is just one step in my career and I still have a big year ahead of me trying to qualify for the Championship Tour and the next Olympics."