After enduring plenty of personal heartbreak in the years leading up to qualifying for the 2024 Olympics, surfer Saffi Vette is giving back by encouraging Kiwi school kids to dream big and never give up.
Video / Neil Reid
New Zealand will send two surfers to this year’s Olympic Games, with Billy Stairmand and Saffi Vette named to travel to Paris.
Stairmand, 34, will head to his second Games, after making his debut in Tokyo three years ago, when surfing also appeared at the Olympics forthe first time.
Away from the Olympics, Stairmand has been crowned New Zealand’s national champion eight times.
“It’s unbelievable to be going to my second Olympics, I’m super proud,” he said.
“I’m stoked to be representing New Zealand again and I know I can do something special over there.”
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Vette will make her Olympic debut at the Paris Games, and paid tribute to her late father Andrew with her selection.
Gisborne's Olympic-bound surfer Saffi Vette has already conquered adversity in life. New Zealand Herald photograph by Neil Reid
“Dad introduced me to surfing and I’m so grateful for that,” she said. “I want to work hard for something that he’s given me, this opportunity to excel in a sport that I love.
“I also want to thank my mum as well, she’s always been amazing and has really helped me to keep the dream alive these past few years.
