Paris (AFP)
Gold medalist at the Worlds in September, the Brazilian Italo Ferreira finished even stronger the year 2019 by becoming world N.1, Thursday in Hawaii, at the end of the pro surf circuit, a first in his career.
Ferreira has signed his feat on the mythical spot of the archipelago called Banzai Pipeline. He beat fellow countryman and defending champion Gabriel Medina in the final of the last of 11 stages on the world circuit, the Championships Tour (CT), organized by the World Surf League (WSL).
At 25, Ferreira, who has won 3 stages this season (Gold Coast / AUS, Peniche / POR and Hawaii) is winning for the first time as world number 1 on the pro circuit. He also became the first surfer in history to be crowned the same year at the World Championships (organized by the International Surf Federation / ISA).
In September, at Miyazaki in Japan, he had indeed gleaned world gold.
"I can't believe it, it's completely unreal. I dedicated my whole life to this trophy and I finally have it. This trophy means a lot to me, I have no words", a blew the Brazilian.
"This year has been so crazy, with ups and downs. This year has been really different for me, and so special, I want to thank God for everything!" Continued Ferreira.
The surfer, who grew up in a poor suburb in the north of Brazil, eliminated on his way to Hawaii, not only the title holder Medina but also in the semi-finals, the surf legend, the American Kelly Slater, 11 times sacred on the world circuit.
Ferreira is also one of ten pro surfers who secured his ticket to the Tokyo Olympics next summer, where the discipline will make its debut.
The French Jérémy Florès and Michel Bourez finish respectively 10th and 13th in the world ranking.
© 2019 AFP