La Jolla, CA, USA. Francesena easily defeated Brazilian Elias Ricardo Diel, and Costa Rican, Henry Martinez and American Joshua Loya on Saturday. The adapted Surfing World Cup 2019 was to be held last December but had to be postponed until March. The wait was no problem for the Basque surfer, who arrived in great form. Francesena (Zarautz, 1970) has been the World Champion in 2016, took the bronze in 2017 and finished fourth in 2018.
Statements by Aitor Francesena after becoming World Champion
At the age of 14 he was diagnosed with glaucoma and lost his right eye after several procedures. Nevertheless, he continued surfing until it became his way of life. As a pioneer, he opened his first surf school in Zarautz in 1988. He was the first coach in Spain and his method of teaching continues to be used today. He has trained Aritz Aranburu, Mario Azurza and Axier Muniain, has been also Spain's national coach.
In 2012, a wave hit him and destroyed his left eye, leaving him completely blind. Three months after leaving the hospital, he returned to surfing. In regards to the system he uses, a friend, Ibon Illarramendi explains to him, beforehand, the water conditions, and guides him. Once he is standing, he maneuvers on his own. Illarramendi helped him in 2016 in La Jolla when he became World Champion, as well as in 2017 when he took the bronze medal.
Zorionak! (congrats!)
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