CAPBRETON, France (Sunday, May 13, 2012) – Pauline Ado (FRA) 21, just placed fifth at the Billabong Pro Rio, losing in a low scoring quarter-final matchup against current World N°2 Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS). Extremely difficult conditions in the 1-2Ft range were on offer at Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) yesterday with tricky A-frame peaks.
Pauline managed to eliminate Paige Hareb (NLZ) in her Round 2 confrontation and Rebecca Woods (AUS) in Round 4, two experienced surfers on the World Tour by raising her game and put a lot of efforts into turning small waves into good scoring rides. Pauline was kind enough to take a moment to answer our questions right after the end of yesterday’s action.
- Congratulations Pauline ! I’m sure all your fans are stoked to see you finally get to those final heats !
Me too ! I’m really relieved to finally get a good result on the World Tour after a pretty hard start to the year.
-How was your week in Brazil ?
I arrived a few days early with Justine (Dupont), my dad and Judith (who edits videos for Swatch). We got to test the conditions and get a good rythmn going before the event. Then it started and we didn’t get the best waves but it’s what competition is sometimes..
-Did you change anything in your preparation from the previous events ?
It’s more like my mindset I think that changed. After a hard start in the first four events I started to feel like I had nothing to lose anymore and that I needed to just start enjoying surfing and competing again !
- Conditions were pretty hard for you gals in Rio, do you think that actually helped you ?
Maybe, I’m not sure.. It’s tough because despite a great result I feel like I didn’t showcase my best surfing in those conditions, like all the other girls I suppose..
- What do you think of your lost quarter-final against Sally Fitzgibbons ?
I think I needed a 4.80 to win. It’s a pretty low score but actually very hard to get in those extreme conditions. There weren’t any waves in the last minutes and Sally and I just kept paddling towards the inside hoping we can catch a little something with potential.
- I imagine it’s a confidence boost right before heading home to France for the Swatch Pro and later the Roxy Pro ?
Yes it feels really good and I hope it’s only the start of a better run for the next Start events and World Title. I’m going to spend a few weeks in France and I’m so looking forward to it ! I’ve been away for so long now I’m sure it’s going to be amazing to be home !
- What are your objectives for the end of the year ?
I just want to end well and have a couple excellent results on the Star Tour.
- Anything else you want to add ?
Thank’s to everyone who’s been following and supporting me in Rio ! I had a lot of messages and it’s always amazing to feel supported.
Pauline Ado will be competing next in the Swatch Girls Pro France from May 30 – June 3 in les Bourdaines, Seignosse ? France. For more information on Pauline, visit her ASP Europe Profile. You can also visit her blog http://paulineado.fr.
