The IBC World Tour has announced the two standout young talents for the 2024 season. Coincidentally, IBC had already conducted two interviews with both athletes throughout the year, so we’re including links to those interviews as well:
- In the Junior Women’s Division, the breakout star is 14-year-old Luana Dourado from Portugal. She’s been impressing everyone with her performances on the circuit, finishing 2nd in the Junior Women’s ranking, just behind two-time world champion Luna Hardman from Brazil.
LUANA DOURADO shares how she feels about receiving this recognition and gives us a recap of her season:
I am very happy and honored to receive the Rookie of the Year award. This recognition represents a milestone in my bodyboard career and is a great incentive to continue to dedicate myself and evolve.
I am really grateful for all the support I received and for this opportunity to show my work.
My trajectory so far has been a path of a lot of learning, dedication and also sacrifices. Although bodyboarding is a more individual sport, in every victory or challenge at sea there are many people who contributed to me getting here – from my club, my coaches, my sponsors to my family, who have always given me unconditional support.
I think this award is from all of us and is proof that all the effort and hours of training were worth it.
The circuit was fantastic, it had many special moments, but I think the most striking for me was Wahine, competing in a heat with two bodyboard legends, two idols, Sari Ohara and Neymara Carvalho. It was a situation that challenged me a lot and where I managed to overcome myself, which made me realize that I was on the right track.”
With the results I obtained and with this award, I feel even more willing to continue to grow and seek new achievements.
Next year I really wanted to be able to compete on the entire world circuit, work to improve every detail and continue learning.
My goal is to evolve technically and become mentally stronger to face even greater challenges.
This award came to confirm my beliefs and give more strength to never give up on dreams. It takes a lot of determination, but with passion and dedication, the achievements end up happening.
I want to continue enjoying each wave, living and meeting new people, but above all having fun with this sport.
INTERVIEW LUANA DOURADO July 17, 2024:
- In the Junior Men’s Division, the standout young athlete of the year is Jai Taylor from Australia. At just 16 years old, he made waves in his first tour appearance, taking first place at the Visit Maldives Pro. He’s also the current Australian champion in the under-16 category.
JAI TAYLOR tells us how thrilled he is to receive the Rookie of the Year award and gives us a summary of his season:
It was awesome to wake up to see I had won rookie of the year. I didn’t expect to win it. I am really honoured and proud of the achievement. Thank you to the IBC for choosing me.
First year on the tour and I can’t wait for more. Obviously my win in the Maldives was my highlight for the year. I went there not expecting much just hoping to do my best and to walk away with the win in my first IBC competition was insane. I was then lucky enough to travel to the Canary Islands and compete at Fronton, unfortunately I didn’t get the result I was hoping for but it has made me more determined to get the win next year. To get to travel to 2 different countries I’d never been to before was an amazing experience. I can’t wait for next year I am pumped.
INERVIEW JAI TAYLOR August 14, 2024:
