Capixaba Luna Hardman and Mariana Nogueira clinched two titles at the ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro in Serra (ES), Brazil.
Capixaba Luna Hardman secured the championship in the Pro Junior category and also attained the runner-up position in the Professional category, which was won by Japanese athlete Sari Ohhara. Meanwhile, Mariana Nogueira, from Rio de Janeiro, celebrated her third championship title in the Masters category of the event, which concluded on Saturday, April 27, with a lively atmosphere at Jacaraipe Beach.
April 2024 – Brazil celebrated two titles on Saturday, April 27, at the ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro, the women’s stage of the Bodyboarding World Circuit. With lively celebrations on Jacaraípe Beach in Serra, Espírito Santo, Capixaba Luna Hardman was crowned champion in the Pro Junior category, while Mariana Nogueira from Rio de Janeiro clinched her third championship title in the Masters category. In the Professional category, Japanese athlete Sari Ohhara secured the title for the second time, with Luna finishing as the runner-up.
Ranked number 2 globally and at just 18 years old, Luna showcased her talent by reaching two finals. In the Pro Junior category, she faced Portuguese athlete Luana Dourado to claim the title. Later, she took on the challenge in the Professional category against the ranking leader, Japanese athlete Sari Ohhara, who was aiming for her second consecutive title.
“I’m very happy with this Pro Junior title. I’ve been aiming for this achievement, and now I’ve managed to win at home. I’m grateful for all the support from the fans,” Luna celebrated, being the daughter of Neymara Carvalho, a five-time world champion with 10 Brazilian titles, who also organized the event.
In the Pro Junior category, Luna defeated Portuguese athlete Alice Teotônio in the quarter-finals and Hawaiian athlete Aarya Talbano in the semi-finals on Saturday to reach the final. In the Professional category, she secured her spot in the final by defeating fellow Capixaba athlete Maylla Venturin. Sari defeated her compatriot Yuka Nishimura.
“I dedicate this title to my family and friends in Japan. I was nervous facing Luna. It was a great experience,” Sari highlighted.
Mariana’s Trifecta – Three editions of the event, three titles for Mariana Nogueira, 52, who previously won three professional championships in the 1990s. Mariana competed in the final against Portuguese athlete Catarina Sousa. In the semi-finals, she defeated Brazilian athlete Maylla. Catarina won against Rio de Janeiro’s Daniela Freitas, another star from the 1990s, and a three-time world champion who participated in the event for the first time.
“I’m deeply moved. Any woman athlete who reaches the Masters and can continue living this athlete’s life has much to celebrate,” Mariana affirmed.
The event, in its third year, began on April 20 with a record number of 115 registrations. Seventy-five athletes from seven countries participated: Brazil, Chile, France, Hawaii, Japan, Peru, and Portugal, with some competing in multiple categories. The total prize money was $37,000 (190,000 Brazilian Reais).
The Open category, for amateur participants, and the category for People with Disabilities do not count towards the world title but aim to promote the sport. In the Open category, Portuguese athlete Alice Teotonio emerged victorious, followed by Brazilian Victoria Moraes and also Portuguese athlete Filipa de Freitas. In fourth place was Brazilian Mariana Siqueira. In the People with Disabilities category, the rankings were as follows: Visual Impairments – 1. Renata Balzone, 2. Lorrayne Rodrigues, 3. Thais Gobetti; Mastectomy – 1. Cristiana Dantas, 2. Mariana Abreu, 3. Cintya Belly, 4. Rangeria Amorim; Amputations – 1. Carla Cunha, 2. Letícia Oliveira, 3. Cristiane Andrade, 4. Larissa Doelinger.
Mothers and Children Category – One of the highlights of the final day of the event was the Mothers and Children category, featuring Mariana Siqueira and her son Noah, Naara Carolyne with her daughter Maria Cecília, and Aline Rodrigues with Liz, all from Brazil. Alongside them was Portuguese athlete Catarina Sousa with Concha. The category was created specifically to provide visibility for athletes who balance sports and motherhood, promoting unity and female empowerment.
“This edition of the ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro has truly been historic and especially moving. A real celebration of female talent and the transformative power of sports. It has also been very rewarding to support an event that brings together so many exceptional athletes from around the world and be part of an initiative that promotes principles we consider essential, such as inclusion, sustainability, and female empowerment. At the end of this incredible event, not only the winners should feel victorious, but all the women who dare to challenge and surpass limits,” stated João Bosco Reis da Silva, Director of Sustainability and Institutional Relations at ArcelorMittal.
The 2024 Wahine Bodyboarding Pro was sponsored by ArcelorMittal, the Government of the State of Espírito Santo through the Capixaba Sports Incentive Law, and the Municipal Government of Serra, with support from Coroa. It was organized by the Neymara Carvalho Institute and IBC.
For more information: Instagram: @wahinebbpro
In Espírito Santo: Lúcia Marins – luciammarins@gmail.com – 27 99943-8246
ZDL Doro Jr. – MTb 13209 – dorojr@zdl.com.br – 11 984579723 Deborah Mamone – MTb 15148 – deborah@zdl.com.br – 11 3285.5911 Website: www.zdl.com.br Instagram: @zdlsports