Portuguese surfer Francisca Veselko starred in a memorable debut on the World Surf League (WSL) world circuit, winning his first heat at the prestigious Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, in Australia. The athlete described the moment as “unbelievable”, highlighting the emotion of competing for the first time on one of the most emblematic stages in international surfing.
At 22 years old, Veselko highlighted the symbolic importance of this participation, which he considers the result of several years of consistent work and dedication to the sport. The surfer confessed to feeling particularly fulfilled for achieving a goal that, for a long time, she only followed from a distance.
“For years I followed this race and it’s hard to believe that I’m now here competing. It’s a unique feeling and I’m extremely happy to finally live this moment”, said the Portuguese athlete.
Junior world champion in 2022, Veselko secured qualification for the next phase after beating Costa Rican Brisa Hennessy, with a total of 12.67 points, against the opponent’s 9.10. In the second round, the Portuguese will face Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan, third place on the world circuit in 2025.
Despite the promising start, Veselko recalled that the path to this competitive level has been marked by demanding challenges, both from a sporting and emotional point of view. The recent elimination in the Newcastle stage served, according to her, as an important lesson to reinforce concentration in the following races.
Also highlighted was the participation of the Portuguese Yolanda Hopkinswho debuted as a resident on the women’s world circuit, but was eliminated in the first round by Australian Sally Fitzgibbons. The surfer scored 9.60 points, insufficient to surpass her experienced opponent, who finished with 11.84.
The simultaneous presence of Hopkins and Veselko marks Portugal’s return to the women’s world surfing circuit, reinforcing the international visibility of the new generation of national athletes. This return comes after the male participation of Tiago Pires and Frederico Morais in previous years, consolidating Portuguese representation in the elite of the sport.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is the first of 12 stages of the 2026 world circuitwhose calendar It also includes the race in Peniche, scheduled between October 22nd and November 1st.
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