2024 Paris Olympic Games: Jack Robinson wins surfing silver as Kauli Vaast shines in final

Jack Robinson’s historic run at the Olympics has ended with a silver medal as French athlete Kauli Vaast, who grew up surfing the world famous break of Teahupo’o, claimed gold.

Jack Robinson of Team Australia rides a wave during the semifinals of surfing on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on August 05, 2024 in Teahupo'o, French Polynesia. Picture: Getty Images

Jack Robinson has won Australia’s first surfing silver medal at an Olympic Games.

Robinson’s historic run at the Games ended with a runner-up finish to French athlete Kauli, a man who grew up surfing the world famous break of Teahupo’o, Tahiti.

Vaast produced a two-wave total of 17.67 to beat Robinson (7.83).

It remains a historical moment for Australia who won bronze at the Tokyo Games thanks to Owen Wright.

Australia's Jack Robinson gets a barrel in the men's surfing gold medal final. Picture: AFP

Vaast had the gold medal sealed within the opening 10 minutes of the men’s final on Tuesday (AEST).

The local paddled hard to the lineup to get priority from the outset.

Vaast found himself entering the biggest tube of the day before emerging with two fists raised, holding the hopes of the Olympic host nation on his shoulders.

It was scored a 9.50. Robinson hit back and squeezed everything he could out of a smaller wave to get a 7.83 before Vaast added an 8.17.

Robinson had already done the impossible to get to the final and while he pushed to the end, it was a bridge too far.

Kauli Vaast reacts as he exits a wave during the men's gold medal surfing final. Picture: Getty Images

The West Australian had bounced back after a controversial round 1 to win in round 2, nearly drowned on his way to beating John John Florence in round 3, edged past compatriot Ethan Ewing in the quarterfinals and beat three-time world champion Gabriel Medina in the semi-final.

But the day belonged to the Frenchman. The ocean went flat when Medina needed a score in the semi-final and it did the same for around 25 minutes as Robinson searched for a miracle that never came.

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