Brisa Hennessy named Latina Powerhouse 2024

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Brisa Hennessy Kobara

She became the first surfer from the region to earn a place in the Olympics through this discipline

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 3:00 AM EDTSEP 29, 2024, 3:00 AM EDT

Born on September 16, 1999, in San José, Costa Rica, Brisa Tomi Hennessy Kobara has emerged as a prominent figure in professional surfing. From a young age, Hennessy displayed a talent and passion for surfing that would lead her to make history on multiple fronts, not only for her country but for all of Central America.

TEAHUPO'O, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA - MAY 29: Brisa Hennessy of Costa Rica surfs in Quarterfinal 1 of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro on May 29, 2024, at Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia. (Photo by Ed Sloane/World Surf League via Getty Images)

The year 2018 marked a milestone in Hennessy's career when she became the first Central American to qualify for the Championship Tour, the main championship of the World Surf League (WSL). This qualification was a monumental personal achievement and a significant advancement for Central American surfing, opening doors for future talents from the region.

"The support of my family and all of Costa Rica is what helps me move forward every day."

Hennessy's exceptional performance in the 2019 WSL Championship Tour was a stepping stone to a global platform: the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Her direct qualification for this event was a personal milestone and a historic achievement for Costa Rica and Central America. She became the first surfer from the region to earn a place in the Olympics through this discipline, inspiring countless young surfers to dream big.

SAQUAREMA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JUNE 26: Brisa Hennessy of Costa Rica after surfing in Heat 3 of the Elimination Round at the VIVO Rio Pro on June 26, 2024 at Saquarema, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Thiago Diz/World Surf League via Getty Images)

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were a historic moment for Hennessy and the sport of surfing. It was the first time surfing was included in the Olympic program, and Hennessy's participation in this debut earned Costa Rica a prestigious fifth place. This achievement solidified her position as one of the best surfers in the world and brought further recognition to the sport in her country and region.

"Everything I've been through was worth it. It's been a chaotic, wild, amazing, and beautiful year."

Hennessy's performance at the Olympics became one of the best results for Costa Rica in the games, only surpassed by the achievements of sisters Sylvia and Claudia Poll in swimming and cyclist Kenneth Tencio. This accomplishment has been a great source of pride for her country, inspiring countless young surfers in Costa Rica and Central America to follow in her footsteps.

TEAHUPO'O, FRENCH POLYNESIA - JULY 27: Brisa Hennessy of Team Costa Rica rides a wave during round one of surfing on day one of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at on July 27, 2024 in Teahupo'o, French Polynesia. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

In August 2024, the young athlete was ready for the repechage round of the Corona Fiji Pro; however, the day before, she injured her right foot by cutting it on a reef. Despite that, she gave her best effort to secure her spot in the quarterfinals and ensure a place in the World Tour final, to be held in California. Her resilience and commitment to the waves are among her greatest athletic qualities, and, along with her achievements, have been a great source of pride for her country, inspiring countless young surfers in Costa Rica and Central America to follow in her footsteps.