Olympic Games: Paris 2024 organisers committed to Teahupo'o surf event
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Teahupo'o, on the French Polynesia island of Tahiti, is known as one of the world's best surf waves
Paris 2024 organisers say they are committed to hosting the Olympic surfing event at its planned site in Tahiti - despite concerns raised by locals about the environmental impact.
The site at Teahupo'o, which is 9,500 miles from Paris, is renowned as one of the best surfing waves in the world.
But residents on the Pacific island say the construction of an aluminium tower would damage the coral reef.
"Our ambition has remained unchanged," Paris 2024 organisers told 大象传媒 Sport.
"We are studying every possible scenario to enable the surfing competitions to take place on this site, which we want to preserve, respect and enhance for the Games."
Teahupo'o is described by the world's top surfers as an exhilarating and unique spot which provides one of the biggest tests in the sport.
Located in the South Pacific with a backdrop of mountain landscape, it has long hosted events on the professional World Surf League's (WSL) championship tour, with a wooden tower installed on the reef for the judges.
The plan to install a much larger aluminium tower for the Olympics has led to an online petition which had been signed by almost 150,000 people by Wednesday.
As well as the impact on the reef, objectors say the drilling needed for the platform, and installation of underwater pipelines, risked damaging the marine ecosystem and the wave.
On Wednesday, it was reported French Polynesia president Moetai Brotherson suggested the event could be moved from Teahupo'o to Taharuu on Tahiti's West coast.
"All of our efforts are centred on finding the best solution collectively, in conjunction with the Polynesian government, for the exceptional site of Teahupo'o," Paris 2024 organisers said.
Their ambition for the Games is to "guarantee top-level sporting competition on a world-renowned wave" which "respects the environment".
"Where the Games adapt to Teahupo'o and not the other way round, and to showcase the mythical Teahupo'o wave to the world and ensure that the Games are a success for Tahiti and its people," the statement added.
Discussions and further studies are set to continue over the coming weeks. The Paris 2024 surf event is scheduled for 27-30 July next year.
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