Caroline Marks has propelled herself into the semifinals of the World Surf League’s (WSL) VIVO Rio Pro, solidifying her spot in the prestigious WSL Final 5 Playoffs. This marks another high point in an already stellar year for the 23-year-old American, following her Olympic gold and Hall of Fame induction.
Key Takeaways
- Caroline Marks advances to the Rio Pro semifinals after a dominant quarterfinal win.
- She secures a place in the upcoming WSL Final 5 Playoffs at Cloudbreak, Fiji.
- The 23-year-old continues to build an impressive resume, including a recent induction into the Surfing Hall of Fame and an Olympic gold medal.
Semifinals Success At Rio Pro
At the VIVO Rio Pro, held at Saquarema in Brazil, Marks displayed her competitive edge by defeating Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb with a decisive score. Her strategic wave choice and strong performance energized the crowd, setting her apart in a competition filled with early upsets among top contenders. Marks will now face Luana Silva in the semifinals, a matchup keenly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
The event has already seen exceptional drama, with other quarterfinal scores running lower than expected. Marks’ heat stood out due to her high scoring ride combinations, underlining her current status as a top favorite for the championship.
Edge Over Competition And Career Momentum
Marks not only moves forward in Brazil, but also confirms her participation in her third consecutive WSL Final 5 Playoffs. These playoffs are scheduled for Cloudbreak, Fiji, from August 27 to September 4, and represent the season’s ultimate showdown among the world’s elite surfers.
With her semifinal finish in Rio, Marks leapfrogged several competitors to solidify a top ranking. Now the oldest in the Final 5 lineup at just 23, she’ll be joined by rising stars including Molly Picklum, Gabriela Bryan, Caitlin Simmers, and Bettylou Sakura Johnson. The average age of these finalists highlights the depth of young talent currently energizing women’s professional surfing.
A Year Full Of Highs For Marks
2025 has already been a landmark year for Marks. Along with her competitive achievements, she was honored with induction into the Surfing Hall of Fame—a distinction she shares with legends like Kelly Slater. She was also celebrated by her sponsors and peers for her contribution to the sport, capping it off with emotional reflections on her journey and ambitions.
Marks herself expresses particular excitement for the Fiji finals, describing Cloudbreak as among her favorite waves globally. With the WSL calendar moving next to South Africa before concluding in Fiji, all eyes are keenly following Marks as she aims to close out this exceptional season on top.
What’s Next In The WSL Tour
The tour continues at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa before the focus shifts to the highly anticipated Final 5 showdown in Fiji. With Marks in prime form, fans and the surfing world are eager to see if she can cap off her headline year with another world championship title.
Sources
- American Surf Icon Caroline Marks Reaches WSL VIVO Rio Pro Semifinals, Sports Illustrated.
- Caroline Marks qualifies for World Surf League Final 5 playoffs in Fiji, Florida Today.
