Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got some breaking news from the Paris Olympics that’s creating quite the stir in the surfing community. Ben Lowe, an experienced surfing judge, has been sent packing from the Games after a photo scandal that has everyone talking.
So, what happened? Ben Lowe, who’s known for his sharp judging skills in the World Surf League (WSL), got himself into hot water after posing for a photo with fellow Australians Ethan Ewing and Bede Durbidge.
The photo, taken in Tahiti where the Olympic surfing events are being held at the famous Teahupo’o break, was posted on Instagram. The caption, “these three Straddie [Stradbroke Island] boys doing their stuff at the Olympics,” raised eyebrows and quickly led to controversy.
The International Surfing Association (ISA) acted fast, removing Lowe from his judging duties. They stated that it was inappropriate for a judge to be seen fraternizing with competitors, especially those he might be scoring in the competition. This action was necessary to maintain the integrity of the competition and avoid any potential bias.
The ISA’s statement made it clear: “It is inappropriate for a judge to be interacting in this manner with an athlete and their team.” Following this, Lowe was stood down in line with both the ISA’s code of conduct and the International Olympic Committee’s code of ethics. This incident underscores the importance of impartiality in judging to ensure fair competition.
On a more positive note, the surfing events have been thrilling, with some standout performances. Australian women’s star Tyler Wright secured a spot in the Olympics quarter-final with some clever surfing in her final heat. After a few days off the waves, she returned to the Tahitian waters on Friday, defeating Israel’s Anat Lelior with a score of 11.10 to 7.74.
Wright, a two-time world champion, showed her class by quickly taking the lead in her heat. Despite a minor setback that saw her stranded near the shore on a shallow reef, she managed to keep her composure and score big, ensuring her advance to the next round. She will face Caroline Marks, another one-time World Surf League winner, later today.
The men’s competition is equally exciting, with Aussies Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson set to battle it out in the quarter-finals. This guarantees that at least one Australian surfer will be in the running for a medal, a thrilling prospect for fans back home.
Teahupo’o’s notorious waves had calmed after a few stormy days, allowing the women’s heats to proceed smoothly. Wright, who had been waiting since Monday to compete, made her mark with strategic moves and impressive scores, highlighting her experience and skill.
As the competition heats up, the surfing events at the Paris Olympics are proving to be as unpredictable as they are exciting. From unexpected photo scandals to high-stakes heats, this year’s Games are delivering all the drama and excitement we could ask for. Stay tuned for more updates as the athletes continue to chase Olympic glory.
