TREVOR HALKETT
It's a long journey from Mahia to the Mediterranean. But for Richard ``Ricardo' Christie, the journey was worth it in more ways than one.
The softly-spoken 20-year-old achieved the best result by a New Zealander in four years on surfing's World Qualifying Series (WQS) last weekend.
His third placing at the
four-star Protest Vendee Pro event in France not only handed him a healthy pay cheque, it also contributed valuable ranking points towards his dream - a place on the top-tier World Championship Tour WCT).
Undoubtedly his biggest fan is his mum, Huhana Mete. Speak ing to SportToday while visiting family down in Dunedin, she said positive changes Christie had made this year were contributing to his good form.
``My son got a plan, worked out what he wanted to do for his dream and at the beginning of the year he reviewed every thing,' she said.
``That's what he did and I'm really proud of him because he made a lot of sacrifices.'
Those sacrifices have led to positive results. Recently Christie became the first New Zealander to appear on the cover of glamour Australian surfing magazine Waves.
The achievement goes with his other notable record, becoming the youngest New Zealand surf champion.
Used to pressure situations, Christie came unstuck in the semifinals against eventual contest winner Joan Duru of France. Duru delivered a knockout blow almost immediately, scoring a perfect 10-point ride.
Although Christie came back with an 8.17 score, time was the enemy. Christie's overall score of 13.84 was not enough to pip Duru's 16.5.
The result means Christie will fly further up the overall rankings, after already being in 73rd place before the contest. Third place at a four-star event could be enough to move him into the top 40.
Ms Mete plans to visit Christie in Spain during Septem ber, as he continues his first full year on the WQS circuit .
``He is amazing. We are all very proud of him.'
