Ramzi Boukhiam, the first Arab surfer to make history, is preparing for his dream of winning an Olympic medal

Ramzi Boukhiam, the first Arab surfer to make history, is preparing for his dream of winning an Olympic medal

Abu Dhabi, February 15: Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam is moving forward with even bigger goals after his second Olympic appearance. He believes that his best moments are still ahead.

Last year, at the Paris Olympics, Boukhiam had an incredible showdown with Brazilian João Chianca at the iconic Teahupo’o in Tahiti. During that heat, Boukhiam scored an outstanding 9.70, but his total score ended up just 0.3 points behind Chianca’s, meaning he missed out on a spot in the quarter-finals and an opportunity to fight for an Olympic medal.

Boukhiam said, "I competed in the conditions I dream of. But not winning the medal made me feel really bad. However, I am proud of my performance."

Boukhiam, who spent 10 years battling on the Qualifying Series, finally earned a spot on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Although he suffered an injury before the new season started, he made history by securing a replacement slot for 2024 and became the first Arab surfer to compete on the WSL CT, the highest level of professional surfing.

He fondly recalled his first year and is excited for bigger goals in 2025. "It was really tough, but I know I can do it," he said.

Boukhiam added, "I think my best days are still ahead. I feel stronger and more developed. My surfing is improving."

He is determined to win his first CT event in 2025 and aims to finish the year in the top five. "Inshallah, if I’m ready, I will return for the Olympics too," he said.

Additionally, his advice for Arab surfers is, "It may sound cliché, but don’t stop. Believe in yourself and always try to give your best every day."

Boukhiam currently resides in Agadir and is competing against the world’s best surfers.