Griffin Colapinto Reflects on 3rd Place Championship Tour Finish, Vows Vengeance
Photo: Matt Dunbar / WSL
Last season, Griffin Colapinto had the surfing world rooting for him. He even had the non-surfing world rooting for him in Matthew McConaughey. The World Surf League’s Finals Day – a one-day, winner-take-all event – going down in his hometown of San Clemente was his to lose. But then he did. Filipe Toledo won. Griff got third.
And this year? Same thing. Third place.
Related: Interview: Griffin Colapinto's Ready to Party, Let the WSL Finals Roll
Oh and also, an equal ninth at the Olympics. Ouch.
Now, Griff is reflecting on that Championship Tour loss after two years in a row:
“An emotional week at home??. What a season it’s been! This years experience was an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude from my friends and family who have all made sacrifices to help me on my journey. I fell just short in my heat against @italoferreira and yes it was painful.
“Although it hurt, I feel I have built up my strength of handling adversity. I recognized that my mind wanted to think about what could have been. But you just can’t think that way. Instead I’ve been focused on what I have been able to do this season and how every time I’ve leveled up, I’ve always taken beat downs the first couple years.
Related: Griffin Colapinto Wins Fiji Pro, WSL Finals Lineup Locked In
“Just like going from pro jrs to QS to Challengers to CT to Final 5 to now pushing for a world title. Each step I have been faced with coming so close but not quite making it. But never have I given up, and now I know exactly what to do. Just keep getting better and use that fire that the hard losses give you.
“A massive thank you to everyone on my team and my sponsors that believe in me ?? you know who you are ?? looking forward to enjoying a break and coming back with a vengeance next season. Until then, let’s have fun! ;)”
Coming back with a vengeance. Sounds scary. Italo better be watching his back.
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