Chance of typhoon-induced waves just swell for Aussie medal hope
IT rates as one of the greatest finals in modern surfing memory and a beacon of hope for Aussie medal contender Julian Wilson ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut in Japan.
With much ado about the supposed timid conditions set to greet the world’s top surfers at Tsurigasaki Beach later this month, Wilson recalled the famous 2005 Japan Quiksilver Pro final between Andy Irons and Kelly Slater as reason for optimism.
In driving rain and six-foot swells brought on by Super Typhoon Nabi, Irons and Slater surfed an enthralling final that kept spectators statuesque on sodden sands at Malibu Reef – 40 minutes south of the 2020 Olympic venue.
That fateful September day stands in stark contrast to the 1-2 foot swells some fear await Wilson and co. at Tsurigasaki, but the 32-year-old Queenslander is hopeful for Mother Nature’s intervention.
“I’ve surfed Chiba a few times and watched a lot of world tour events there before I was on the tour,” he said.
“They ended up getting almost too much swell in that iconic final between Andy and Kelly. I’ve only had really good experiences in Japan.
“It’s the start of the typhoon season, so there’s a chance we could get some decent waves.”
He said marginal conditions would likely play into the hands of current tour leaders and medal favourites Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira of Brazil.
The Aussie squad of Wilson, Owen Wright, Stephanie Gilmore and Sally Fitzgibbons flies out for Japan on Tuesday, ahead of the competition start on July 25.