The surfing world witnessed Olympic champion Carissa Moore reign on podiums for over a decade. The five-time World Surf League Women’s Champion is a Hawaiian by origin by debuting in American colors at the Tokyo Olympics to become the first-ever winner of the Olympic Gold Medal in women’s short board surfing. As she recently announced her retirement, the surfing community was left shocked by the 31-year-old’s decision.

However, Moore will still compete at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and then finally savor the succor of retirement. While it’s being reported that she plans to start a family after her retirement with her husband Luke Untermann, the surfing legend was overwhelmed after young kids of her NGO came up with a sweet gesture. Will there’s no denying her premature retirement will create a lacuna, fans still have a spot etched in their hearts for her.

Carissa Moore overwhelmed with fan love

In the latest update on Instagram, U.S. surfer Carissa Moore expressed her feelings in an Instagram story after receiving overwhelming love from young kids from her NGO, Moore Aloha. “So touched to see @moorealoha girls up early and in the rain with signs. Overwhelmed and crying happy tears“, the Olympic gold medalist captioned. The kids could be seen holding various heart-shaped placards as well as her jersey number 10 was emblazoned on some.

“Riss is forever. Our Champ”, a small girl’s placard read. Another fan was proud of Moore’s illustrious career, writing, “So proud of Riss!”. The 31-year-old is already qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 but will only take part in the event at Tahiti in late July. Before that, Moore will headline at Pipeline in the WSL event. But even after retirement, she pledges to always remain a surfer.

Moore will always be a surfer, it’s ingrained in her blood

Whatever be the outcome of the Paris Olympics, Carissa Moore will always be remembered as one of the greatest women surfers of all time. But as she ventures into the unknown, she is excited. “I’m excited to see what else there is, outside the jersey. I’m human- I don’t have everything figured out”, she expressed her vulnerabilities.

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But everything aside, she will always be a surfer first. “Surfing is a part of who I am, and it always will be“, she further expressed. Moore is expected to start a family with her high school sweetheart, whom she married in 2017, Luke Untermann. Nonetheless, her presence in the surfing arenas will stand the test of time.

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