Inaba advances as Igarashi, O'Leary are dumped from Olympic surfing

So sad to see Japan’s Daiya Seto suffer adversity yet again. He was the Gold favorite in the men’s 400-meter individual medley in Tokyo, but he did not medal.

In Paris yesterday, he was leading after 200 meters, but again failed to medal. Must be frustrating.

At least there are decent waves

The French Polynesian reef break of Teahupo'o delivered on its promise of huge swells, giving the surfers a great opportunity for deep barrels and high scores,

And, possibly, the photo of the Olympics. Incredible wave.

https://sports.yahoo.com/gravity-defying-photo-surfer-gabriel-055637620.html

It’s good to see they had some decent surf for the comp. The surf in Chiba during the last Olympics was pretty disappointing.

I'm glad they chose Tahiti for this comp. but the southwest coast of France is also another great place for comps. Of course not as amazing as Tahiti but Hossegor, Biarritz, and Lacanau, among others, has good swells and a lively atmosphere in that whole area. Contests there all the time.

The people of Tahiti have been complaining of the zoo-like atmosphere, restricted access to the water and shoreline and the unwanted judges' tower that was built in front of Teahupoo (the break) on the reef.

The WSL has a contest there every year but it's a lot more inclusive and laidback. The Olympics are a lot more strict and security minded.

BTW, I have forty billion dollars on Gabriel Medina winning the gold.

By all accounts yesterday was the day of days. Unfortunately I only saw a couple of heats. Does anyone know of a way to watch a replay? Nothing at all on Tver.

By all accounts yesterday was the day of days. Unfortunately I only saw a couple of heats. Does anyone know of a way to watch a replay? Nothing at all on Tver.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/sports/olympics/video/detail.html?scheduleSessionId=26687a05-82c5-33ec-2ad8-e431b2f539f4

Been sensational swells to date.

Just barrelling along drawing all of the skills out of riders to just stay in it.

On during the day so a bad distraction.

If you've got VPN - 9Now in Australia has great Olympic coverage.

Everything live or on recall.

Hairy conditions postponed this afternoons session, so I could get some work done.

Big finals men and womens are looming.

Teahupo'o is On.

Thanks Hawk!!

I'm loving the surfing. Teahupo'o is a toe curlingly terrifying wave though, and the day before I was genuinely scared for some of the women on a much smaller day than yesterday. Yesterday, the very best in the world were struggling with it with the way it was breaking, it was super heavy.

Connor O'Leary should really have won his heat - he had the chances but blew it.

Inaba (who I have never heard of) beat one of the most talented surfers on the planet in Philipe Toledo - who just happens to be famously scared in big waves. For Toledo to only score 2.46 in a heat at this level is absolutely embarrassing.

Having these foreign born surfers competing for Japan does nothing to advance the sport here. There is a vibrant, homegrown surf scene and the athletes here deserve a chance to compete for their home country. It’s a shame and the JSF needs to reevaluate their priorities when it comes to selecting Olympic reps.

Inaka -

The surfers are chosen dependent on their rankings in pro surfing. ie CT or ISA

4 per country.

Eligibility through native nationality or having a Japanese parent.

Inaba & Matsuda - Japanese parents. Igarashi - father Japanese, O'leary - mother Japanese (I think).

They are the highest ranking surfers so naturally chosen to give best representation to get medals.

Good showing by them will have a +ive effect on surfing community.

Recent years have seen many mixed nationality athletes representing Japan. Most think it's good.