On Wednesday (24), the capixabas Luna Hardman and Maylla Venturin, alongside the carioca Dani Freitas, advanced to the quarterfinals. Three Japanese competitors – including the world number one and reigning champion, Sari Ohhara – and two Portuguese competitors also remain in the competition.
April, 2024 – The ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro, the women’s stage of the Bodyboarding World Circuit, reaches the quarterfinals on Thursday (25) at Jacaraípe Beach, in Serra, Espírito Santo. Three Brazilians have secured a place in the Professional category in this next phase of the competition, continuing their quest for the 2024 title: the capixabas Luna Hardman – world number 2 – and Maylla Venturin (5), alongside the carioca Dani Freitas, one of the stars of bodyboarding in the 90s. Also qualifying are the Japanese competitors Sari Ohhara – world ranking leader and current champion -, Yuka Nishimura (9), and Namika Yamashita (5), along with the Portuguese Luana Dourado and Teresa Padrela (9).
“I want to thank all the support from the fans. I’m happy to be doing well here in Brazil. We’re going all out for the next phases, heat by heat. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Neymara Carvalho Institute and ArcelorMittal for their support,” said Luna, who qualified in both the Pro and Junior categories.
Wednesday (24) was filled with intense competition for the best waves and qualification. In the Professional category, one heat stood out for featuring three generations of bodyboarders vying for a spot in the next stage of the competition: the capixaba Neymara Carvalho, 48 years old, Sari, 29 years old, and Luana, only 14 years old. Sari took first place in the heat, followed by Luana.
“I’m very happy with what I achieved today (Wednesday). I can only express my gratitude,” celebrated Sari, who is aiming for her second Professional title in Serra and has been participating since the first edition of the women’s stage of the Circuit, now in its third year.
Quarterfinal matchups: Yuka Nishimura vs. Luana Dourado; Sari Ohhara vs. Namika Yamashita; Luna Hardman vs. Dani Freitas; and Maylla Venturin vs. Teresa Padrela.
Dani and Maylla also stand out in the Master category, alongside the two-time champion, the carioca Mariana Nogueira, who finished the day in first place, taking another step toward her third title. Maylla finished second, with Tina Falcão and Francis Aoto tied for third.
In the Pro Junior category, the top three so far are the favorites Luna Hardman, Emie Padois (France) – the youngest athlete in the competition at 11 years old – and the Hawaiian Aarya Talbano.
The 2024 edition of the ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro has a record number of 115 entries. There are 75 athletes from seven countries – Brazil, Chile, France, Hawaii, Japan, Peru, and Portugal -, some competing in more than one category. The competition includes the Professional, Master, Pro Junior, and Open categories. The Disability category crowned its champions on Sunday (21), the event’s first day.
Mothers and sons in the water – Highlighted last year, the Mothers and Daughters category is back. In 2024, it’s Mothers and Sons, scheduled for this Saturday (27). One of the athletes, Mariana Siqueira, will hit the water with her son Noah. Two more Brazilians are participating: Naara Carolyne, with her daughter Maria Cecília, and Aline Rodrigues with Liz. Alongside them is the Portuguese Catarina Sousa, with Concha. The category was created specifically to give visibility to athletes who balance sports and motherhood, promoting unity and female empowerment.
Itinerant Court at Solemar Beach – Until the end of the championship, the Itinerant Court bus of the Maria da Penha Law, a public policy of the Espírito Santo State Court of Justice, will be at Solemar Beach, providing guidance on combating domestic and family violence against women and support from social workers and psychologists from the Municipal Government of Serra, between 8 am and 2 pm. The Maria da Penha Itinerant Court has been operating for twelve years, used to assist women who need analysis for the granting of urgent protective measures, eviction from home, search and seizure.
ArcelorMittal Wahine Bodyboarding Pro 2024 Schedule
- 25/04 – Quarterfinals of the Professional category; continuation of the Master, Pro Junior, and Open (Amateur) categories.
- 27/04 – 2 pm to 4 pm – Awards Ceremony; 7 pm – Closing Cocktail.
The 2024 Wahine Bodyboarding Pro is sponsored by ArcelorMittal, the Government of the State of Espírito Santo through the Capixaba Sports Incentive Law, and the Municipal Government of Serra, with the support of Coroa. Organized by the Neymara Carvalho Institute and IBC.