South Africa’s Silver Surfer from Tokyo Olympics 2020

South African surfer Bianca Buitendag wins silver at Tokyo Olympics 2020 Photo: Ryan Pierse

SA’s silver surfer Buitendag confirms retirement after Tokyo heroics: ‘I went out with a bang’

Buitendag, who was the 17th seed, stunned all competitors by booking her place in the final against American Clarissa Moore.

The 27-year-old scored 5.23 and 3.23 with her two best waves to total 8.46, losing to Moore by 6.47 points after the American scored 7.60 and 7.33 to finish with 14.93 and become the first women’s surfing Olympic champion.

It was always a tough ask for the 27-year-old Buitendag to defeat the four-time world champion Moore.

“I surprised myself, I promise you. I’m overwhelmed, I don’t even know what to say,” said Buitendag at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.

“You guys have no idea (what it means to me). But every obstacle just gave me more motivation to make my country and its beautiful people proud.

“I would like to say thank you to Greg Emslie, who has been covering as manager, coach and everything – he has been amazing and I owe a lot to him.”

Buitendag revealed that Tuesday’s Olympic duel will be her last as she hangs up her surfing board for good.

“It’s a historical moment, I’ll only realize the magnitude in a few days, but it’s awesome,” said Buitendag.

“It’s also the last contest of my life, so I went out with a bang.

Read the full story on: News24.