Brisa Hennessy Jumps to World No. 1 After Runner-up Finish
With her runner-up finish today, Hennessy jumps up to World No. 1 on the CT rankings. The 24-year-old did not have an easy path to the Final, as she took down Caroline Marks (USA), the defending event winner and reigning World Champion, in the Semifinals, and Carissa Moore (HAW), the five-time World Champion, in the Quarterfinals. In all of her heats today, Hennessy charged the Teahupo’o Bowl, taking off deep, setting her line, and pulling in with no hands before grabbing her rail and charging through some of the thickest tubes seen all day, a technique used by some of the most stylish barrel-riders on the planet.
“It's just been an honor to come up against Vahine,” Hennessy said. “I mean, she is the queen out here in every respect, and I respect her so much. I have so much more to learn out there. I'm still absolutely terrified, but I'm excited about this new journey. I think it's incredible to see how the new opportunities and leveling up that the women are doing, it gives me goosebumps, so I’m really honored to be a part of it.”
Hennessy has been extremely successful this season with consistent third-place results all year, except for a ruptured eardrum injury in Portugal that forced her to withdraw early. Her accomplishments this season are profound, considering the recovery and challenge she faced last year following her diagnoses of hypothyroidism, depression, EBV, and a pituitary gland adenoma. Hennessy has shown strength and resilience through her recovery while also being vulnerable and open about her journey. With her current standing on the World Rankings, Hennessy improves her World Title hopes with a step closer to locking in a spot in the WSL Final 5.
“I was talking about it with my mom the other day, and it's like, you're like on the edge of so much anxiety, but just on the other side of that edge lies the wave of your life and endless possibility and opportunity,” continued Hennessy. “And I think that's what it feels like. Pressure is a privilege. I want to feel that, but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. Seriously, I honestly didn't even know if I was going to compete again. It was quite a bit of a roller coaster for me in 2023, you know, falling off the Tour, dealing with my health issues mentally and not being my strongest, and I don't know, that definitely feels very sunshiney and warm.”
Hennessy will wear the yellow leader jersey going into stop No.7 of the WSL CT, the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, which holds a competition window from June 6 to 15, 2024. |
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