BVI surfer Rush Broderick made the territory proud in his second-ever international surfing competition, creating history at the 2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in El Salvador.
The young BVI surfer Rush Broderick competed in both the Boys Under 16 and 18 categories.
In the Boys Under 18, he placed fourth in Heat 14 of Round 1 with an average of 4.40 points against tough competition from surfers representing Portugal, Costa Rica, and Uruguay. Undeterred, Broderick rose to the occasion in Heat 7 of Repechage 1, securing second place with an average of 7.47 points, earning himself a ticket to the next round.
Despite his best efforts in Repechage 2, finishing fourth in Heat 8, Broderick missed out on advancing further in the Boys Under 18.
However, he continued to represent the territory well in the Boys Under 16 category. In Round 1, Broderick finished 4th in Heat 4 with an average of 5.03 points. Nonetheless, it was in Heat 1 of Repechage 1 where he truly made his mark, defying the odds to clinch second place with an impressive average of 8.10 points, securing his spot in Repechage 2. The victory in Heat 1 was claimed by the formidable Esteban Lapierre of France, who dominated with an astounding average of 11.73 points.
Undeterred by the challenges ahead, Broderick faced off against surfers from Indonesia, Canada, and Barbados in Repechage 2. Despite a valiant effort, he finished fourth in Heat 2 with an average of 6.10 points, missing out on advancing to the next round.
Reflecting on his journey, Broderick described the championship as the best event of his life and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the British Virgin Islands on such a prestigious stage.