French Surfer Johanne Defay Becomes First Athlete to Receive WSL Maternity Wildcard
Jeune mère, la surfeuse Johanne Defay de retour sur le circuit pro grâce à une "wildcard maternité"
Summary
French surfer Johanne Defay, a bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been awarded the first-ever maternity wildcard by the World Surf League, securing her a guaranteed spot on the Championship Tour (CT) in 2027. Defay, who gave birth about a year after her Olympic medal, will benefit from a new policy designed to protect professional female athletes who take time away from competition to have children. The decision marks a significant milestone for gender equality in professional surfing.
Preview
Médaillée de bronze aux JO-2024 et devenue mère un an plus tard, la Française Johanne Defay a obtenu lundi la première "wildcard maternité" décernée par les organisateurs de la World Surf League, lui garantissant une place au sein du tour pro (CT) en 2027.