Luara Mandelli, a 16-year-old surfer from Matinhos, made history on Saturday, April 19, by winning the women’s Pro Junior event at the REMA WSL stage in Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro. She secured the title with a thrilling comeback in the final moments of the heat, demonstrating strong determination throughout the intense competition.
Mandelli scored 10.27 points, surpassing Peruvian Catalina Zariquiey to claim first place. Chilean surfers Estela López and Matilda Bultó finished third and fourth, highlighting the rising talent in South American surfing.
This victory adds to Mandelli’s impressive track record, as she had already earned a spot in the 2025 World Surfing Championship last year, confirming her status as one of the sport’s most promising young athletes.