Huntington Beach, California, November 2024 – East London's JP Veaudry has added a coveted gold medal to his impressive trophy collection after clinching first place in the Men's Stand 2 division at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in Huntington Beach, California. Having previously secured two bronze medals and a silver, Veaudry's latest triumph marks a career-defining moment in para surfing.

Veaudry faced a challenging final against Forrest Weinberg (USA), Nachman Balulu (ISR), and Philippe Naud (FRA). In a heat that came down to the wire, Veaudry adopted a cautious approach to avoid last year's costly interference call. His strategic play paid off, finishing three points ahead of Weinberg at the final siren to secure South Africa’s first gold medal in the division.

Emotional Victory Speech

“I just want to thank everyone, especially everyone back in East London, for all the incredible support. So very stoked. This is for my family,” Veaudry said in his post-victory speech. Reflecting on his strategy, he added, “I actually let a couple of waves go when I had priority, as I didn't want to take any chances at all. I've been coming to World's for the last 11 years, and it's always so close. Right now, I can't even express how happy I am.”

Strong Performance by Team South Africa

Team South Africa's Tracy McKay also delivered an impressive performance, finishing fifth in the Women’s Prone 1 Division and narrowly missing a spot in the finals. The South African team finished 16th overall, with Veaudry’s gold medal standing out as the highlight of their campaign.

France Claims Team Championship

France retained the Team World Championship title, securing gold for the second consecutive year in a closely contested race against the USA. The French team earned 10 medals, including two golds, while Australia claimed bronze and Spain took copper, matching their 2022 performance.

First-Time Gold Medalists

Six divisions saw new World Champions crowned, including JP Veaudry (RSA), Pierot Gagliano (FRA), Zoe Smith (ENG), Luciano Silveira (BRA), Audrey Pascual (ESP), and Kai Colless (AUS). These victories were particularly significant for Gagliano, Smith, Veaudry, and Pascual, who had long awaited their moment of triumph. Silveira, competing in the Stand 3 division for the first time, delivered an exceptional debut performance, while Colless secured his gold medal in only his second attempt.

ISA President’s Reflections

ISA President Fernando Aguerre expressed his pride in the para surfing community and the event’s impact: “What an amazing ISA World Para Surfing Championship, held and presented by Surf City Huntington Beach. At our first Adaptive Surfing World Championships, one of the competitors expressed their simple yet profound hope: ‘I hope to bring home hope.’ That's what we all bring. We will continue our paddle for Paralympic Surfing and a better world through surfing and para surfing.”

Final Team Results

• Gold: France
• Silver: USA
• Bronze: Australia
• Copper: Spain
  (South Africa: 16th)

For more information about the championship and to celebrate JP Veaudry’s achievement, visit ISA World Para Surfing Championships.

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JP Veaudry Takes Gold in California!
East London’s JP Veaudry has won the Men's Stand 2 division at the 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championships. Congratulations, JP! ?

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