Ranked No. 1 in the world, Carissa Moore has already won the world title three times, most recently in 2015. She's had a few disappointing years in the interim, with lower finishes that, in retrospect, she said she's grateful for. "For every athlete, you go through your ups and your downs. There are times where you have to redefine yourself and refocus and remotivate," Carissa said. "It can be a bit frustrating, but looking back, it's definitely given me a new perspective."
As for 2019, Carissa said, "I've never been in a world title race with two other girls and have it be so close and have so much on the line." After a slow start, she's finished in the top three in each of the last six events. Carissa, who was born in Honolulu, has developed a reputation for dominating this final contest, the Maui Pro; she's currently the defending champion.
Carissa said that she's stressed about the tight race, but that her excitement outweighs the nerves. "I care. Caroline and Lakey — we all care," she said. "We've all worked really hard for it, but I'm more excited than freaked out . . . I'm beyond grateful to be in the position to fight for a world title." To make the Olympic team on top of that, she said, would be "an honor and a dream come true."
