Carissa Moore Makes Tearful Retirement Speech at Surfing Olympics
Photo: Ryan "Chachi" Craig
On August 1st, 2024, Carissa Moore made what very well may be her final appearance as an elite-level competitive surfer. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, with surfing being held in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, the five-time world champ and gold medalist lost in the Quarterfinals to France’s Johanne Defay. And when she came to the beach, it got emotional.
Earlier this year, Carissa announced that she would be taking an indefinite hiatus from competitive surfing – aside from the 2024 Pipe Pro, the Tahiti Pro, and the Paris 2024 Olympics. And after her loss in the quarterfinals at Teahupo’o, it sure sounded like this was the end for one of the greatest competitors this sport has ever seen.
When she arrived on the beach, tears flowing, she got a standing ovation. After many hugs, congratulations, and more tears, she finally made it to the press area. That’s when she made one of the most powerful speeches heard during these Olympics.
"When you come up short of a dream, it sucks. But at the same time, how fun was it?"
Photo: Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Let’s let Riss take it from here:
“It’s very raw. You put everything you have into something. I put my whole year [into this]. I took a chance. I left the [Championship] Tour. I came here. I spent months out of the year, just trying to do my very best. And when you come up short of a dream, it sucks. But at the same time, how fun was it? I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“I would’ve been so bummed if I looked back and I only did that half-heartedly. I went all-in. I just hope that at the end of the day I can encourage whoever’s watching – when or lose – don’t be afraid to go into it fearlessly. Don’t be afraid to fail. The process has been so much fun. I feel like there’s been a lot of personal growth in and out of the water.
“I’m really proud of my backside barrel-riding. I caught some waves I never thought I would have ever caught in my whole life. So, obviously I’m really sad to not be part of Finals Day, and get to represent my home and my family one more time. But I’m really grateful. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to finish off my career.”
Photo: ISA/Pablo Franco
When asked further if this is really it for Riss – if she’s really retiring after this – she responded:
“That was the plan. I’m going to give myself some time to just take a break. I announced my departure from the Tour earlier this year, and it’s just been full-on. It’s been full-on for my whole life. And I’m really proud of that, and proud of how I’ve given everything.
[Takes a moment to wipe away the tears.]
“The last thing I want to say is that I want to express my gratitude to everyone that’s been there and supported me, not only in this event but my whole life. It’s just nice to have a community behind you. So, thank you.
Interestingly, she posted the same farewell sermon to her social media nearly verbatim:
Cheers, Carissa. Thank YOU for all you’ve done for our sport. And whatever you decide to do next, we will be supporting you all the way.
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