12 December 2007
For Mark McCarthy of Richards Bay, 2007 proved to be an exciting and rewarding year as he made his mark on the International Bodyboarding Association World Tour, claiming an astonishing fourth place overall in his first year on the tour.
The events span the globe, visiting well known destinations, as well as more remote surf spots in locations including Venezuela, Chile and Australia.
Representing the pinnacle of bodyboarding, the IBA World Tour title features competitors from across the globe going head-to-head for the title of world champion.
'A dream come true'
Looking back over his excellent first year, McCarthy said: "It is a dream come true to be able to compete against the world's best bodyboarders in some of the world's best waves.
"Two years ago I would never have seen myself competing against some of my idols. It has been an amazing year and I would never change it for anything."
The South African star announced his arrival on tour in a big way by capturing a brilliant second place in the renowned Human Cronulla Shark Island Challenge in Australia.
After surprising many with that great showing, he went on to claim numerous high-ranking finishes on the tour, thus removing any surprises about his ability along the way.
Canary Islands
The World Tour concluded recently, on 7 December, in the Canary Islands, where McCarthy again turned in a polished performance.
Throughout the contest, which was held at El Confital on Gran Canaria, he proved himself time and time again, riding with a passion that has been one of his trademarks.
It carried him through to the semi-finals where he fell to Uri Valadao of Brazil, who went on to win the contest. The Brazilian's effort wasn't enough, however, to prevent Australia's Ben Player from being crowned world champion.
Nine-time world champion Mike Stewart was impressed by McCarthy's showing in his first year on the world circuit, and assisted the South African by sharing his wealth of knowledge and by working on improving McCarthy's performances.
"One of the things that attracted me to Mark is that he works very hard at what he wants. He will do what ever is necessary to get to where he wants to be," Stewart remarked about McCarthy's determination.
World title
The man from Richards Bay is aiming to win the world title in the near future and has already focused his attention on next year's tour, which begins in the surfing paradise of Hawaii, in mid-February.
"I am incredibly excited about next year's tour and will be starting my training routine shortly, with my eyes fixed on claiming the World Title," said McCarthy.
Stewart believes McCarthy has what it takes to become world champion. "If he stays on his present course he will be realising his dreams, but what the future holds for him is up to him more than anything else," he said.
McCarthy will spend the Christmas season with his family in South Africa, while also holding bodyboarding clinics for disadvantaged children, before heading for Hawaii in January.
SAinfo reporter
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