Mirai Ikeda looks ahead to Olympics after historic Asian Games gold in surfing

Nagoya – Mirai Ikeda, who became the first woman to win an Asian Games gold medal in surfing, is focused on competing against the world's best as she prepares for her Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Surfing made its debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, and the 18-year-old outperformed China's Yang Siqi in the women's final to claim the inaugural gold medal and secure a provisional spot at the 2028 Olympics. Japan also secured the men's gold through Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Kanoa Igarashi.

Ikeda expressed her immense happiness upon receiving the medal, stating that she had been working tirelessly since qualifying for the tournament to bring home a victory. However, she remains aware that her skills are not yet at the level of the world's top surfers and aims to bridge that gap before the Olympics. "I still feel like I'm not quite at the level of the world's top surfers right now," she admitted. "I need to work on aerial maneuvers, the air reverse, and fundamentally improve my overall riding technique."

To achieve her goal, Ikeda is now focusing on qualifying for the World Surf League Championship Tour, which will provide her the opportunity to compete against the world's top surfers. "I plan to enter as many events as possible to make it onto the tour," she said. Her competitive spirit and dedication to improving her skills are evident as she sets her sights on making history at the upcoming Olympic Games.