“Punching the lip like a prize fighter, Johanne Defay of France won Bronze in Tahiti. 

Using the same formula that got her to the finals, Defay (FRA) destroyed section after section with powerful, near vertical backside whacks. She also found the heat's only real barrel, pulling in to one of the biggest set waves to roll through the lineup all day. Her crisp, top-to-bottom approach was fast, fluid and- ultimately- a medal winner thanks to a 6.83 and 5.83.”

“Reunion Island's own Johanne Defay battled her way atop the podium against long-time rival Tyler Wright and earned her first CT win since 2022. Defay moves to No. 2 on the rankings to further secure herself ahead of the Mid-season Cut and move toward Australia with all the momentum.”

“The simple life she leads says nothing about her surfing on tour. Especially her backhand. 2021 was without a doubt Johanne’s best year on tour with winning G-Land, competing in the Olympics, and a Final Five finish. Providing the foundation for her 3rd place at the end of the 2022 season.”

“Johanne Defay claimed victory at the ROXY Pro G-Land, after a week of waiting. Finals Day was greeted with the best conditions of the window, with G-Land putting on picturesque, four-to-five foot surf groomed by perfect offshore winds. Event standout Defay capitalised on the long-walling waves at G-Land, showing full commitment on each and every turn.”

“Prior to January 2022, a complete women's Championship Tour event had never taken place at Pipeline. However, this changed when the women's event finally happened and the female surfers prepared to make history at Pipe. Johanne's Quarterfinals outcome was fitting since it occurred at the center of the surfing universe and the sport's birthplace, and Pipeline was an excellent starting point for the Championship Tour.”

“Defay went to the Tokyo Olympics as a member of the French team. She had a solid performance and walked away with an amazing experience and lessons learned.”

“Defay defeated the reigning four-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) by less than half a point in a hard-fought Final. The pair of Olympic qualifiers traded eight-point rides but it was Defay’s excellent 8.70 that sealed the win. Defay’s results were the fourth CT win of her career and her second Final at the Ranch.”

“Johanne showed a mix of power and style on her backside, defeating goofy-footed Tatiana in the finals to clinch the third CT win of her career. The Reunion Island native looked comfortable navigating the shallow coral reefs, which was a much more welcome obstacle than those of Margaret River.”

“Despite the all-time conditions, Defay's win was no easy task. To get to the final heat she had to defeat the likes of the (then) world number one, Courtney Conlogue, as well as the absolute stand-out performance by Bethany Hamilton.”