Mesinas determined to reach fourth World Surfing Games final – and get gold
Peru won the team title the last time that the World Surfing Games were held in El Salvador, in 2023. Two-time Olympian Lucca Mesinas is eager to return that title to his nation, and this time his motivation to win the individual title is also stronger than ever.
“As a team, we want to win together. As an individual, for me, I want to get a gold medal as well,” Mesinas told Olympics.com. “I’ve been close to getting it. I’ve been second twice and third place once. I’ve been in three finals and I want to get that gold medal.”
Mesinas is making good on both team and individual goals as he advanced to the fifth round together with Alonso Correa, while all three Peruvian female surfers Aguirre, Rodriguez and Daniella Rosas are set to compete in the women’s fourth round.
Peru’s Lucas Perez is also still in contention, but with a tougher road ahead of him in the repechage. He will face Ecuador’s rising star Maximiliano Saenz in the fourth round.
Meanwhile, another Ecuadorian surfer Bruce Burgos was the surprising addition to the men’s fifth round lineup. Finding himself in the company of three Olympians and one Olympic champion Kauli Vaast is a new experience for the 20-year-old who has made it to this stage of the competition for the first time in his career.
“I’m very happy. It’s the first time I’ve advanced so far in the quarterfinals,” Burgos told Olympics.com. “This year I’m a little more focused. I’ve been doing a good job and a lot of hard work.”
Daily calls with a sports psychologist are among the factors that Burgos credits for his breakthrough. The duo talk through the surfer’s negative thoughts and try to resolve them.
Team Ecuador’s support – teammates are always out with flags and cheering for Burgos on the beach – is another part of his success, the surfer said: “It’s incredible. Living with Team Ecuador, we’re always a very united team and that’s what strengthens us and always drives us to move forward.”
The World Surfing Games competition continues on Thursday, 11 September. You can follow all the action from the event on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com.