Whale is unexpected guest at Olympic surf competition

An unlikely competitor joined the surfing contest at the Olympic Games yesterday - a whale.

The animal was picked up by cameras rising from the water during the semi-final of the women’s surfing competition that was taking place nearby.

It was far enough away from surfers not to cause disruption but close enough for the footage to be captured.

You can see a video of the whale below:

If you think the water looks slightly different than the Seine - you would be correct. 

Although most of the events in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are being held in the city (or nearby suburbs), the surfing took place on the island of Tahiti, French Polynesia, in Teahupo'o. 

Frenchman Kauli Vaast, born on the island, won gold in the men’s competition. Johanne Defay won bronze for France in the women’s event. 

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