Brazilian Surfers Double-Down on WSL Judging Controversy

The dust has settled in Lemoore, CA.

After two days of competition, the World Surf League’s one-and-only wavepool event, the Surf Ranch Pro, has wrapped with Griffin Colapinto taking the W.

But following the event, there's been controversy. Specifically, Gabriel Medina called out the WSL for questionable judging after he lost to Ethan Ewing in the quarterfinals. And now, his fellow countrymen, Filipe Toledo and Italo Ferreira, have joined the chat.

Compared to Gabriel’s message, Filipe and Italo were a little more cagey. But it’s clear that they’re standing together and voicing their frustrations.

Here’s Filipe’s message:

“For the love of sport,

“*To all Brazilian surfers and anyone else who feels included in this message:*

“After a long day, of many thoughts, analyses, news and arguments, I realized that I was tired, psychologically exhausted. It's not easy to spend 10 years swallowing hard.

“I'm a surfer, original and rooted, who grew up among real surfers, and fairness has always been one of the main points in my experience. That's why I feel tired.

“For the love of sport, I'm still firm and strong. And now, I feel happy seeing the posts by Gabriel Medina, Ítalo Ferreira, and many others, who can still adhere to the idea that what we seek will always be the evolution of the sport, with justice and transparency.

“We want nothing but fair. Nothing beyond what is our right. We need our voice to be heard and respected, because, after all, we are the protagonists of it all!

“Finally, I hope that everyone, family, friends, fans and sponsors, understand my position on this situation and are supporting me in the best way!

“Ps: I want it to be clear that other surfers, regardless of their nationalities, have nothing to do with this. Like me, they are also fighting for their dreams. And attacking or disrespecting them won't change anything, it only gets worse for us Brazilians!”

Here's Italo’s (translated):

“Go beyond a grade ....

“My intuition is not to attack, hurt, take into credit and judgment, but silence consumes me. The surf that gave me and gives me everything I live by this if I need to prove it yet. My looks and my energy and what they carry says it all. On my part, surf, I give you my all. My devotion My day to day that only me, my team and my family know. And so we shall continue. In the moment of sadness, indignation, reverse and look forward, transform, inspire people. Joy is bound to prevail The weight I carry in water doesn't float for a second. It’s mine and I have the honor to carry it, and make it happen. I learn everyday that I have to build myself up, improve myself, it's a continuous process, as an athlete, and as a human being! A big part of this is this union of my Brazilian colleagues and friends of the tour, and of everyone who is in it for the surf! But let me talk about the strength, the same as my look. This is ours! Plural! And from here on out it's going to make yourself more present, and in the most positive way possible. The focus is on development. The focus is on progress. The focus is on the goal, and let it be clear that nothing will be built against it in my way. And if you doubt, look it in my eye!”

For the record, Gabs and Filipe have swept the Surf Ranch Pro in previous years. And in the final this year, some people thought that Italo was robbed. Not to mention, Ewing received Instagram DM death threats after his quarterfinal with Gabs.

And who would’ve thought? Wasn’t the whole point of competing in a wavepool to eliminate subjectivity? Yet, here we are.

Stay tuned to see if this controversy carries over to the next stop, the Surf City El Salvador Pro, kicking off June 9th-18th.

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