Two historical issues: Surfing’s inaugural debut within the Olympics; the Olympics being postponed. By no means within the 124-year historical past of the Video games has both took place.

Then got here 2020.

So, how have long run Olympic surfers been coping with this rollercoaster of the pandemic and doable Olympic glory? Strangely properly, if truth be told. Within the video above, produced via the Global Surfing Affiliation (ISA), we take a look at in with two gold medal hopefuls, Jordy Smith and Sally Fitzgibbons – either one of whom are slated to constitute their house international locations within the now 2021 Tokyo Video games – to listen to how they’ve been spending this bizarro 12 months.

Jordy Smith on the 2019 ISA International Surfing Video games. Picture: ISA/Ben Reed

For Jordy: “Prior to COVID hit, I used to be in Hawaii. I used to be over there coaching and browsing. At that time I needed to make the verdict to get again to South Africa as america had been shutting down their borders. We had been lucky sufficient to get at the closing flight. It took us all in all two weeks to get again house.

“When I used to be a little bit child, I at all times set targets for myself. That’s what the Olympics used to be to me. It used to be a dream. I had no concept that browsing can be part of it all through my lifetime. For that to occur all through the height of my profession is actually one thing particular.”

Sally Fitzgibbons and Group Australia on the 2019 ISA International Surfing Video games. Picture: Ben Reed

For Sally: “For me, the entire COVID enjoy used to be wild. A couple of instances per week, I’d take a look at in with myself. Like, ‘I think somewhat worried. Is that this loopy? Oh yeah, it’s.’ In the ones moments, I’ve actually discovered to shine the abnormal. The abnormal is epic.

“I like going operating. It’s actually well-suited to my character. There’s a starting point and a end line – then the entirety in between kinda is sensible. The educational will also be actually arduous, nevertheless it’s actually rewarding. The Olympic birthday party remains to be gonna occur, simply now not at this time. It provides you with that respiring area to determine your browsing and be absolutely ready when the time does come.”

Right here’s having a look at you, 2021.