Controversy Hits Olympic Surfing: Judge Removed Over Photo Scandal

In a surprising turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Australian surfing judge Ben Lowe was removed from the judging panel after a controversial photo surfaced online. The image, which showed Lowe posing with Australian surfer Ethan Ewing and national team coach Bede Durbidge, was deemed inappropriate by the International Surfing Association (ISA).

Integrity Concerns

The ISA swiftly acted upon seeing the photo, which was widely circulated on social media. The organization emphasized that such interactions between judges and athletes compromise the integrity and fairness of the competition. "It is inappropriate for a judge to be interacting in this manner with an athlete and their team," the ISA stated. The decision aligns with both the ISA's code of conduct and the International Olympic Committee's code of ethics.

Impact on Competition

Lowe's removal has been a topic of discussion within the surfing community. Known for his long-standing presence in the World Surf League and his previous role in the Tokyo Olympics, Lowe's exit raises questions about the consistency and fairness of judging in the sport. Brazilian fans, who have previously accused Lowe of bias against their star surfer Gabriel Medina, saw this development as a positive step.

Viral Moments and Athlete Reactions

While the controversy unfolded, another highlight from the surfing event captured global attention. A spectacular photo of Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina, taken by photographer Jerome Brouillet, went viral. The image, showing Medina and his surfboard seemingly levitating above the water, was a visual celebration of the sport’s beauty. Despite narrowly missing a perfect score of 10, Medina's wave earned him a 9.90, sparking some debate over the judging criteria.
Medina expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the moment's significance. "I felt like it was a 10," he said. "The wave was so perfect." The stunning photograph became a symbol of the high stakes and emotional highs of Olympic surfing.

Conclusion

As the surfing competition progresses in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, the removal of Judge Ben Lowe underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in sports. The incident highlights the delicate balance between professional conduct and personal interactions in competitive environments. Meanwhile, athletes like Gabriel Medina continue to inspire with their performances, capturing the essence of the Olympic spirit through both their athletic prowess and unforgettable moments.