Photo:Ryan Pierse/Getty
Ryan Pierse/Getty
Carissa Moore’s departure from competitive surfing is on the horizon.
The five-time world champion andfirst-ever Olympic surfing gold medalistannounced on Friday that she’s stepping away from a career in the sport that has undoubtedly been a remarkable ride.
In an interview with theNew York Times, Moore — who was crowned her first world title when she was 19 years old — opened up about her future, specifically what life “outside the jersey” might look like for her.
“All those wins, the competitive part that’s so much of my identity, I’m taking that away, and I’m facing myself this year,” Moore, 31, told the outlet. “And that’s scary. Like, who am I? Am I going to be OK? Will I be able to love myself and think that I’m worthy without this?”
Carissa Moore after surfing in the Title Match of the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lower Trestles, San Clemente in September 2021.Pat Nolan/World Surf League via Getty
Pat Nolan/World Surf League via Getty
However, “retirement” is not the word she’s using to describe this next chapter. “I don’t like the word retirement,” the Hawaii native said. “I like to say a departure from the tour, or just stepping back, or switching gears, or, like, evolving.”
Next, Moore has her sights set on starting a family with her husband, Luke Untermann — but before beginning her next chapter, she plans to compete in two major events this year on two of the world’s fiercest waves.
Carissa Moore wins the Final at the Billabong Pro Pipeline.Brent Bielmann/World Surf League via Getty Images
The World Surf League kicks off its championship tour with its season-opening event at Banzai Pipeline on Jan. 29. Moore, who is the reigning champion, will compete in front of close friends and family at the famed spot on Oahu’s North Shore.
Moore opened up to PEOPLE in March 2023 abouther fearless competitive mindsetamid the WSL Tour, which carried more weight than year’s past because it was surfing’s top qualification route for the upcoming Olympics.
Carissa Moore of Hawaii prior to surfing in heat 3 of the opening round at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach.Brent Bielmann/World Surf League via Getty Images
“Sometimes it seems scary, but I think at least for me, the magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone and face your fears,” Moore told PEOPLE.
While she recognized that snagging a spot on Team USA was “going to be hard-earned” at the time, Moore said that she was “just trying to enjoy every moment” in the meantime.
“I think for me, everything in my career really feels like a cherry on top,” she says. “When I first started out as a little girl it was all about just winning one world title and to see that dream come true five times and then to win a gold medal, it’s unbelievable.”
source: people.com
