This year, Leonardo Fioravanti will be the first Italian surfer to represent his country at surfing’s highest level. Let that sink in. Americans, Australians, Brazilians, and Hawaiians may have trouble understanding just what that means. All have been collectively rooting for their compatriots in competition for some time now. And each group can claim a few world titles, at least. Not Italy.
But the times are a changin’. Leo is evidence of surfing’s global transcendence. The sport’s reach in corners of the globe that might be less obvious, although Leo would be the first to tell you that Italy’s got some incredible waves if you know where to look. Not to overshadow the presence of lesser represented countries on tour – think Ireland, Spain, maybe France – but this is Italy’s turn.
When we met in the backyard of the Quiksilver house on the North Shore in December, Leo was beaming. His national pride contagious. By then, he was well aware he’d be joining the ranks of performance surfing’s elite, and yet every time we brought it up again he’d smile. It was like each time he processed his achievement again he couldn’t believe it.
Leo’s debut is perhaps even more relevant now than ever. What with the proliferation of wave pools, surfing becoming an Olympic sport, and all of the associated backlash – typically in the vein that bringing surfing to the masses is bad for the sport – surfing’s propagation across the globe continues unwaveringly. And Leo’s qualification is a symbol for his fellow Italians and surfers around the world currently not represented by a member of their country on the ‘CT; It can be done.
So whether you’re watching the Quik Pro Goldcoast this year in person or via webcast, pay attention to Leo’s first heat. When that little Italian flag icon appears next to his name it’ll be the first time in history it’s ever happened. And if seeing that makes you smile, know this: Leo will probably be paddling out for his heat, smiling too.
