Michel Bourez: “When I surf Teahupoo, I’m ready for anything”
[ad_1]
Although he left the pro circuit after a disappointing 2021 season, Michel Bourez is back in the top flight, the time to freelance as a wildcard during his favorite round (and close to home) of the Tahiti Pro (August 11-22). A return made possible after the Tahitian wanted a place in Teahupoo, request validated by the World Surf League which was to replace John John Florence, injured. “I’m glad they gave me this wildcard, it’s a goal achieved, Bourez told us, relieved, Thursday morning at the Teahupoo Marina.
This competition has always been the priority objective of the 36-year-old Polynesian, present in the elite from 2009 to 2021 and winner in twelve seasons of three rounds on the CT (Margaret River, Rio and Pipeline). “I’ve always wanted to surf at home, on this wave. This is also one of the reasons that pushed me to fight to be on the pro circuit: it was to participate in this stage every year without having to do the trials..”
“This competition is the dream of every young person from Tahiti to take part in it”
During the Tahiti Pro, the Paea surfer will demonstrate self-sacrifice on a very demanding wave, both technically and psychologically. ” The lower body is fine, I’m at 70-80%, explains the Polynesian. But what’s most embarrassing is my neck (a recurring discomfort for years and a fall on the reef at Teahupoo, editor’s note). It takes a while to heal. I have to warm up a lot to avoid the pain. But I know that when the series arrives I stop thinking about it. When I surf Teahupoo, I’m ready for anything. So it’s not now that I’m going to let go. »
Since the end of the 2000s, when he appeared on the pro circuit, Bourez oddly never performed during the Tahiti Pro, being regularly eliminated during the first rounds. This time, he approaches the competition escorted by much less pressure. Perhaps (finally) the key to success. “ I already approach this ordeal differently. Because of my operation, I couldn’t do anything for months, which allowed me to look at things differently. Surfing again feels like being reborn. And this competition is the dream of every young person from Tahiti to take part in it. Winning it is the ultimate dream. So if I can win this year, then my career will be over (laugh). »
[ad_2]
Source link
