Will Compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Here is Rio Waida’s Profile and Achievements as a Surfing Athlete – 2024-07-19 21:32:59

Rio Waida. (AFP/BEN THOUARD)

INDONESIAN surfer Rio Waida has been given the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics following achieving positive results in the World Surf League (WSL) World Surfing Championships at Teahupo’o Beach, Tahiti in French Polynesia, some time ago.

At the WSL Tahiti pro tournament in late May, Rio made it to the top 16 following recording his two best waves of 7.17 and 6.87 with a total score of 14.04. Curious regarding Rio Waida? Here is his biodata, career journey, and achievements.

Biodata Rio Waida

Rio Waida was born on January 25, 2000 in Saitama, Japan. He is an Indonesian surfer who has Japanese blood from his mother, Kaoru Waida.

Initially, Rio Waida and his family lived in Japan. Then when Rio was five years old, he and his family moved to Indonesia.

Rio Waida’s Career Journey

Growing up on an island famous for its beautiful beaches and challenging waves, Rio has been familiar with the sea since childhood. As a surfing enthusiast, his father, Muhammad Zaini introduced him to the sport when he was five years old. Since then, his love for surfing began to grow.

In addition, at the age of 7, Rio began to participate in local competitions and showed off his incredible talent. He joined a local surfing club in Bali, where he was trained by professional instructors who helped him hone his skills.

Also read: In Order to Appear at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rio Waida Strengthens Muscle Mass

Then at the age of 14, he participated in a championship in Japan and obtained a professional certification from the Japan Professional Surfing Federation. Since then, Rio has been determined to become a professional surfer and make Indonesia proud in the international arena.

Rio Waida’s Achievements

Rio Waida’s career is filled with brilliant achievements. In 2018, Rio won a gold medal at the Asian Games held in Palembang, South Sumatra. This was the first time that surfing was competed in the Asian Games and Rio’s victory made history for Indonesia.

In 2019, Rio won the Pro Junior qualifying series in Japan, which helped him earn a ticket to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. At 24 years old, Rio is among the world’s elite surfers and competes with the biggest names in surfing.

Also read: Rio Waida Faces Italian and Japanese Representatives in First Round of 2024 Paris Olympics

Another notable achievement was his victory at the 2020 Sydney Surf Pro, where Rio put on a great performance and defeated some of the world’s best surfers. Rio also competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming one of the first Indonesian surfers to compete in the Olympics.

Seeing the many achievements he has achieved, Rio has big dreams for the future. One of his main goals is to become a world champion in the World Surf League (WSL) championship. Rio also wants to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics and win a gold medal for Indonesia.

In addition, Rio also dreams of developing surfing in Indonesia. He wants to establish a surfing school for the younger generation in Bali, giving them the same opportunity as he had to pursue his dream of becoming a professional surfer. (Z-6)