SA’s surfing medallist Buitendag to help children

FEW expected South African surfer Bianca Buitendag to have any chance at all against the decorated Australian Stephanie Gilmore, but the lack of expectations allowed her to perform at her best at the Olympics this week and bag a silver medal.

During the heats on Monday, world number 5 Gilmore crashed out of the women’s competition, losing to Buitendag, a rank outsider.

Buitendag, who was the 17th seed, stunned all competitors by booking her place in the final against American Clarissa Moore, who eventually took gold.

After Buitendag took second place at Tuesday’s Olympic duel she revealed that this would be her last competition as she hangs up her surfing board for good.

“It’s a historical moment, I’ll only realise the magnitude in a few days, but it’s awesome,” said Buitendag. “It’s also the last contest of my life, so I went out with a bang.”

Buitendag, from Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape, grabbed the opportunity in Sundays heats to post a score of 7.10 that proved pivotal.

“I had nothing to lose, absolutely no pressure. I am the underdog coming in at 17th seed for this event. I had nothing to lose and it’s a really comfortable spot to be in,’ the beaming 27-year-old told reporters.

“It was very hard (to pick the right waves), but I knew I was up against Steph, who is the best women’s surfer in the world so I knew I had to be on the best waves, otherwise I stood no chance.”

Knowing that Gilmore could pull out a winning run at any time, the closing stages of the half-hour heat were tough for Buitendag.

“It’s nerve-wracking. I know she can get a 10 (score) at any given moment, so that was probably the longest three minutes of my life!” Buitendag said.

Buitendag returned home yesterday with a sliver medal and will now focus on helping orphaned and vulnerable children through an organisation called Life Community Services in George, where she will oversee construction of a primary school.