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Paris 2024 organisers will scale back the controversial Teahupo\u2019o judging tower that sparked peaceful protests in Tahiti to ensure the Olympic surfing event is held at the iconic break.<\/p>\n
Months of social media backlash, supported by the likes of Kelly Slater and back-to-back men\u2019s world champion Filipe Toledo, has prompted a proposal for a \u201cnew tower, more sober and reduced in size and weight\u201d, according to Olympic organisers.<\/p>\n
Environmental opposition to what was originally a reported US$5 million ($7.95 million) aluminum tower being built prompted French Polynesian president Moetai Brotherson to suggest shifting the Paris 2024 event from Teahupo\u2019o to Taharuu, a markedly different beach break further north in Tahiti.<\/p>\n
An online petition opposing the tower\u2019s construction \u2013 which requires drilling into the Teahupo\u2019o reef \u2013 garnered more than 160,000 signatures as locals marched in protest.<\/p>\n
In response, revised plans for the new judging tower will be 25 per cent smaller, \u201cto return to the size of the old wooden tower (150 metres square),\u201d a statement from Paris 2024 organisers and the Polynesian government said.<\/p>\n
The old tower referenced is the wooden structure used by the World Surf League for the past two decades, which Olympic authorities insist \u201cdoes not meet safety standards, will no longer be used and must be replaced for the sustainability of the organisation of surfing events in Teahupo\u2019o\u201d.<\/p>\n
The tower\u2019s weight is also planned to be reduced from 14 to nine tonnes, while catering to 25-30 officials instead of the original 40 and no longer providing connections to drinking and waste water for flushing toilets.<\/p>\n
It is expected that the Olympic event \u2013 scheduled for late July next year \u2013 will be adjudicated on by a panel of the same WSL judges who rule on the Tahiti Pro from the existing structure, which does not provide the air conditioning, toilets or high-speed internet planned for Paris 2024.<\/p>\n
Local opposition has centred on drilling into Teahupo\u2019o\u2019s coral reef and fears that ciguatera, a disease that poisons fish and renders them inedible, would flourish as has been the case with previous construction in the fragile marine environments.<\/p>\n
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Matahi Drollet, pictured surfing a Teahupo\u2019o monster at the age of 16, led protests against the planned construction of a new judging tower.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Ted Grambeau<\/cite><\/p>\n In a 2500-word explanation of its decision and studies, Olympic organisers claimed that \u201cthe reinforcement of existing foundations without drilling (i.e. by anchoring 288 new steel bars at a depth of 1.5m) has been studied, but it would have a greater impact on the coral which has established itself over the years on the concrete pads than building new foundations in an area with few corals.<\/p>\n \u201cThe new tower, more sober and reduced in size and weight, installed on new perennial foundations, is the solution to ensure the durability of the tower over time and to guarantee the holding of future sporting events in Teahupo\u2019o.<\/p>\n \u201cThis tower, as well as the new foundations, could receive ten-year approval, essential for insurance purposes.\u201d<\/p>\n Sports news, results and expert commentary.<\/i><\/b> Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nMost Viewed in Sport<\/h2>\n
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