Dane Henry has now etched his name alongside some of the all-time competitive greats. Photo: Sean Evans//ISA
Before Sunday, only three surfers had ever managed the rare feat of winning both ISA junior and ISA open gold medals: Tom Curren, Gabriel Medina, and Jordy Smith… not bad company. After a breakout performance at the World Surfing Games over the weekend, there is now a fourth name on that list – 19-year-old Australian Dane Henry.
Last year Henry won ISA junior gold in his debut for the Australian national team at La Bocana, El Salvador. This year, he repeated the feat at the World Surfing Games – held at the same wave – to join the exclusive list.
The ISA junior championships have long been a launchpad for future stars of the WSL Championship Tour, and Henry was already on that trajectory. But this latest win suggests he might be destined for even more.
Australia hasn’t celebrated a men’s CT world title since Mick Fanning in 2013, and until Sunday, hadn’t won ISA team gold in 14 years. With Henry leading the way – backed by Sally Fitzgibbons’ bronze – the Aussies not only topped the podium, but also secured top seed for the 2026 edition.
In a year when nearly all the CT surfers decided to skip the event, Australia seized the opportunity to give themselves a leg up for next year. The ISA has promised that 2026 will play a role in the qualification stakes for LA 2028. If the format mirrors Paris 2024, the highest-ranking men’s and women’s teams will earn Olympic slots, with a potential third slot available for nations that have already filled the two-athlete quota.
Henry, who is of Kiwi heritage, was greeted by Team New Zealand with a traditional haka celebration on the cobblestones of La Bocana after the win.
Dane, getting the much-deserved royal treatment from the commentating crew, including Chris Cote. Photo: Pablo Franco//ISA
“That is a crazy club to be a part of,” Henry said of joining Curren, Medina, and Smith as ISA junior and open champions. “The whole time I had belief in myself that I could do it. My surfing’s been feeling spot on. I really wanted to shine in the final and I’m glad that I got the opportunity to do that. I have a special connection with (El Salvador) and this competition now. I felt really in my element, which definitely pushed me through and helped me get the win.”
Despite his ISA success, Henry hasn’t yet had a breakout run on the WSL Qualifying Series. His best result so far is a fifth at the Gold Coast Open, and he currently sits 38th in the Australia-Oceania rankings – outside the top-eight cut for Challenger Series qualification.
Still, at just 19, time is on his side. Fellow Australian Mick Fanning won his first world title at 26, and Joel Parkinson didn’t get his until he was 31. Henry has years to grow into his potential.
For now, Henry has given Australia a surge of momentum and a fresh face to rally behind. With established stars like Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing holding spots near the top of the CT rankings, he isn’t yet seen as a favorite for the LA 2028 Olympics. But if his run continues – and if history is any guide – don’t be surprised to see him in the mix sooner than expected.
