Surfer Carissa Moore delivered a touching retirement speech after losing in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics.
Moore, an Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, announced in January that she planned to retire after the 2024 Paris Olympics. She headed into the games looking to defend the gold medal title she had won in the women’s shortboard at the Tokyo Olympics.
According to Stab Magazine, Moore headed into the quarterfinals on August 2 as a favorite. But, with some bad weather and perhaps bad luck, she lost to France’s Johanne Defay.
A tearful Moore, reflected on her journey after the loss.
“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,” she said per Surfer Magazine.
Reporters asked Moore if she was certain about her retirement. She said
“That was the plan. I’m going to give myself some time to just take a break,” she said, according to Surfer Magazine.
Moore signed off by thanking her community.
“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,” she said, according to Surfer Magazine.
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