Antofagasta has become the epicenter of the ABF 2024 Bodyboard World Championship, a tournament in which more than 200 riders seek to become the new world champion. The circuit began on May 14 and will end on the 26th of the same month, which is being organized by BHP and SQM, taking place on Llacolén beach in its 12th version.
The city of Antofagasta has its representative in the most important Bodyboard tournament. This is Gustavo Neira, a young 23-year-old athlete who participates from the third round in his category. After finishing first in the regional circuit held in three cities, coming first in Mejillones and Tocopilla, and reaching the quarterfinals, he added a total of 2,500 points, which qualified him for the Bodyboard World Cup and also won a trip to the Canary Islands .
“When I became regional champion I felt very happy, since I fought for the trip to the Canary Islands, it is a dream for me. For this circuit I didn’t prepare much, since I lacked support in the gym, unfortunately I couldn’t train, but I gave my best and I think that’s what turned out,” declared Gustavo.
“The regional scene prepares us with this circuit for the world championship, with a priority and scoring system and with professional judges. This competition has helped me a lot. I believe that Bodyboarding in Antofagasta has grown a lot in these 2 years, now there are many people practicing, the clubs encourage you, they give discounts, in the end that motivates you. I hope it continues to grow, I hope that one day it can be like football,” he added.
As the regional champion, the 23-year-old rider has been participating since the third round of the ABF 2024, which is why he tells us how he has been preparing.
“I want to advance to the round, I have to prepare myself physically and mentally to go as far as possible. My dream is to be world champion, now I am going to tour the world circuit for the first time, I am going to Brazil, Portugal, the Canary Islands, the Maldives and thanks to my effort and perseverance I am achieving it. I hope to make the best use of it,” she expressed.
Gustavo also took the opportunity to thank his loved ones for their support: “I am very happy, I just want to thank Club Budeo that prepared me as a child, my family, my girlfriend and all the people who support me,” he highlighted.
The event aims to be an experience for both Bodyboard fans and the family, so various national artists will be present to enjoy live music, such as Chystemc and Zaturno (former member of Tiro de Grace), as well as an entrepreneurship fair .
It should be remembered that the event is being broadcast live through the ABF Chile platforms, which can be found at www.budeo.cl, in addition to all the information and results of the competition.
