Bailey Turner Wins Gold at ISA World Junior Surfing Championships
The ISA World Junior Surfing Championships saw a remarkable achievement for Huntington Beach’s Bailey Turner. The event concluded on Sunday in Punta Rocas, Peru, where Turner emerged as the gold medalist in the girls’ Under-16 division. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Turner family, known for their rich surfing legacy.
Bailey Turner Wins Gold for Team USA
At just 16 years old, Bailey Turner not only solidified her status within the surfing community but also contributed to the USA Surfing junior team’s overall silver medal finish. Following strong performances, the team placed second, trailing only Australia.
Exciting Final Heat
Turner’s path to the gold was marked by a thrilling final heat. She achieved a two-wave score of 13.07, with her final ride of 6.3 crucial for her victory. The runner-up, Catalina Zariquiey of Peru, scored 12.87, followed by Lucy Darragh from Australia at 12.66, and Zoey Kaina of Hawaii with 12.26.
- Gold Medalist: Bailey Turner (USA) – 13.07
- Silver Medalist: Catalina Zariquiey (Peru) – 12.87
- Bronze Medalist: Lucy Darragh (Australia) – 12.66
- Fourth Place: Zoey Kaina (Hawaii) – 12.26
A Spirit of Teamwork
After her victory, Turner expressed her excitement about being part of a team. “It was amazing for the last week to support everyone,” she said. “It’s not all about you; it’s about your team.” Her commitment to teamwork resonated with her coach, Ryan Simmons, who praised her ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Future Aspirations
Beyond her recent success, Turner remains focused on continuous improvement. “I try to have fun in surfing. If I keep working hard, I can reach my goals,” she noted. As a homeschooled student, Turner balances her passion for surfing with academic pursuits.
Other Team USA Highlights
Other competitors from Team USA included:
- Makai Castle, who tied for seventh in the boys’ Under-16 competition.
- Olivia Storrer, who tied for 37th in the girls’ Under-16 division.
- Lanea Mons, tied for fifth in the girls’ Under-18 category.
- Avery McDonald, who finished tied for 10th in the Under-18 division.
Recognition and Celebration
Bailey Turner was honored at a recent Huntington Beach City Council meeting. With encouragement from Mayor Casey McKeon, she acknowledged her supporters and the Huntington Beach Boardriders Club. This recognition highlights her dedication and the Turner’s impressive legacy in the surfing world.
As Bailey Turner continues to shine in her surfing career, her gold accomplishment at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships only cements her place within the Turner family’s storied heritage.
