NBC Cameras Capture Incredible Whale Sighting During Olympic Surfing

After a three-day delay due to poor conditions, surfing at the 2024 Paris Olympics made its return on Monday in Teahupo'o, Tahiti.

Tahiti, part of French Polynesia and, therefore, part of France, hosted the 2024 Paris Games surfing competition. This decision highlighted France's beautiful and diverse regions, with Teahupo'o renowned for its incredible waves.

The island is a great distance away from France, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean between South America and Australia. While being known for its incredible surfing spots, Tahiti is also renowned for whale watching, as the waters consist of many of these magnificent creatures, particularly humpback whales.

During a women's shortboard semifinal between Brazil's Tatiana Weston-Webb and Costa Rica's Brisa Hennessy, a whale was spotted jumping out of the water just a short distance from the athletes. This did not interrupt the competition but was an incredible sight for viewers.

Weston-Webb (13.66) wound up beating Hennessy (6.17) by a wide margin. The Brazilian went on to secure a silver medal in the finals, losing to USA surfer Carolina Marks.

The surfing competition took place 9,800 miles (15,800 km) from Paris, setting a new record for the longest distance between an Olympic venue and the host city. This approach was in line with the International Olympic Committee's goal to reduce construction costs by utilizing existing venues, although it did result in higher travel expenses and emissions.

Separate opening ceremonies were held for this event. Previously, the record distance was 9,700 miles (15,600 km) during the Melbourne 1956 Games, when the equestrian events were hosted in Stockholm due to Australia's strict quarantine regulations.

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