“I was very close, that’s true, but I’m still very happy with the result, with the level throughout the tournament, with everything I did during that time, with all the progress, with the fact that the results confirm a path…”. Fresh out of the water and with a racing heart, Thiago Passeri, the jewel of Argentine surfing, was delighted with second place in the Junior World Cup takes place on the beaches of Punta Rocas, Peru. After the exciting hug with his father Martín, the multiple national champion, who also acts as a coach, the 16 years old from Mar del Plata showed a smile on his face. He didn’t care that he missed the chance to be the best in the world in the U16, because what he achieved is too important to think about what couldn’t be…
Passeri’s case has been too shocking in recent years. For juniors and from the end of 2024 also for adults. Since he burst onto the national scene, first as the son of a legend and then as the greatest representative of Argentine surfing, Thiago hasn’t stopped growing. And winning the tournaments, first as a junior, where I won all the national and international competitions, and since the end of last year as an Open. An exponential growth confirmed with a historic silver medal at this ISA World Championship in Punta Rocas, Peru. Consider that he had won the bronze medal at the same tournament a year ago and was now able to surpass that.
Passeri had come to this World Cup with the two most important victories of his career, one after the other and weeks apart, on dates on the Latin American circuit (ALAS), one in Guatemala and the other in El Salvador, against the best-placed teams. That’s why a lot was expected in this tournament and he was able to confirm it, which is never easy. Especially because everything happens so quickly.
“Maybe it comes too quickly, maybe unexpectedly because I’m competing against bigger people with more experience. But even though I’m enjoying it and learning, it motivates me. And being able to win like that gives me confidence that we’re on the right track.”said Thiago, who is already the new figure of Team Quiksilver, the most important surfing team in the country.
2024 was a full year that kept him busy nine countriestake 26 aircraftin competition 21 eventsto reach 24 finals (there is more than one per event) and achieving 16 first places. A true madness that only a jewel can achieve. A real ““Son of the Tiger”of a competitive athlete like Martín Passeri, the most successful in the country’s history, who remained in the books because he opened the door to professionalism and left a mark as a coach that continues to this day.
“Since he was 12 years old, when he decided to dedicate himself to surfing, Thiago has not stopped a day. He has the dream of reaching the top and he respects every training session like a tournament. It is important to be a father. If at any time the coach harms our relationship, I will be the first to resign as coach,” says Martín. “I don’t feel any pressure because of who my father was. On the contrary, it’s enormous happiness for what he was and what he is. In surfing and as a person. I don’t experience it as a shadow, but as a lighthouse,” says Thiago.
The presence of his father at his side helps him cope with the sacrifices that the great distance from Mardel and its surroundings entails.. “Traveling is beautiful and I’m lucky to do it with him, but it’s still a sacrifice that the outsider doesn’t see, so much time for training, taking care of myself, away from home, away from friends and family. It’s tiring, you miss a lot, sometimes you feel alone, but we have a mission and we have to fulfill it. I realize that this is really what I want to do for the rest of my life and it’s time for effort. Quieter times will come, with greater Joy, now is the time.” stage…” he admits with a maturity that makes an impression.
The support they both receive, especially from companies like Quiksilver and DC Shoes, makes everything easier. “We have seen his passion for the sport, his commitment, how he leaves it in every session. And of course how his father guides him,” say the brands, allowing both to travel as much as they need. International friction and filming are everything. And not only does Thiago not disappoint, he also impresses with his results…
Now it ratifies it again, which means not only An illusion when you think about the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but also about being the first Argentine to reach the NBA of surfing, the famous Championship Tourwhere the 34 best in the world compete against each other. “It’s always there.”Thiago comments, without wanting to increase the pressure. “Regarding this dream, I feel that each generation must learn from the previous one, from the references, from what it was missing. And work accordingly without losing sight of the dream. Thiago can do that.” There is great trust in the coach and father of the new Argentine hope. There are many reasons.
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