Despite a looming tropical storm that threw surfing's debut at the Olympics into utter chaos, U.S. star Carissa Moore emerged victorious with the sport's first Olympic gold medal.
It was never in doubt for the 28-year-old Hawaiian against South Africa’s Bianca Buitendag. Moore, the top-ranked female surfer in the world, put together an impressive 7.66 run that made up more than half her total score, winning 14.93–8.46.
With seconds remaining, Buitendag paddled in to give Moore a victory wave as the Honolulu native rode in to her jubilant team. On the international surfing circuit, Moore proudly waves the Hawaiian flag after tournament wins.