If you were tuned into the Olympic women’s surfing event Monday you may have seen this incredible guest appearance by humpback whale who breached during semifinals heat. Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb and Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy were waiting in the Teahupo’o lineup off the coast of Tahiti when the massive marine mammal burst through the surface and landed with a massive splash.
Humpback whales breach for several reasons including males displaying strength and vitality, pod communication through the sound generated by the giant splash and hygiene as the force of hitting the water can dislodge unwanted parasites.
Anyone’s guess at to why this beautiful sea creature made a cameo at the Olympics but we are grateful it did.
An unexpected star of the show at the surfing!
This whale has certainly made a splash 📸#Paris2024 #Olympics #BBCOlympics pic.twitter.com/epl6IfmJUz
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 6, 2024
Even the whales are watching #Olympics surfing in Tahiti.
🎥 @NBCOlympicspic.twitter.com/MVEJYYirMw
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 6, 2024