Sierra Kerr has won the World Surf League (WSL) World Junior Championships Women’s title at the Oceanside Pier in California, USA on Saturday, 13 January 2024. The Australian overcame formidable fields to earn the prize and claim her spot on the 2024 Challenger Series.
There was also an impressive showing from Zoe Benedetto, who finished as a runner-up after surmounting world-class opponents as the US surfer returns to her respective Qualifying Series (QS) events in hopes of joining the 2024 Challenger Series contenders.
A star-studded women’s final featured one of the sport’s rising stars, Kerr, and current North America Qualifying Series (QS) number one event wildcard, Benedetto. A masterclass performance from Kerr’s signature progression and flair provided a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) after opening the heat with a 7.83. Benedetto’s excellent 8.00 kept her in the heat, but slower conditions tested the Floridian’s patience and didn’t get the opportunity to perform before time expired.
“That was the craziest heat,” said Kerr. “It’s amazing to win. I feel like I haven’t been surfing that good this contest. I went in the final just going to leave nothing on the table. I felt like I actually surfed good, so I was frothing. I wasn’t even expecting to qualify for the Challenger Series. I forgot that was a thing. That’s insane. Thank you to everyone who came and watched, and everyone that’s watching.”
In the 2022 World Junior Championships, Kerr established herself as a competitive threat with her semifinal appearance and continues to push the boundaries of progressive surfing. Kerr backed herself up by winning the 2023 Australia/Oceania Pro Regional title and then showcased even more progression with a flawless run in Oceanside heading into the Final after a 16.17 heat total (out of a possible 20) victory over the USA’s Talia Swindal in the semifinals.
Now, Kerr prepares for a big year ahead among the Challenger Series contenders and the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT).
An incredible run from wildcard Zoe Benedetto played the ultimate spoiler throughout competition all the way to the Final. Benedetto, the current North America QS number one, surpassed reigning South America Regional Pro Junior victor Peruvian, Sol Aguirre in their Semifinal clash before her Final showdown with eventual WSL World Junior Champion Kerr. Now, Benedetto returns to the QS in search of maintaining her re-qualification place onto the 2024 Challenger Series.
“This week is my first World Juniors,” said Benedetto. “I couldn’t be more grateful for my team, my family, my friends, that support me through this. That final was like one of the highlights. I just felt really accomplished making it there. I felt not too pressured. Congrats to Sierra, she’s pushing women’s surfing so much. To share a Final with her is amazing. I’m really grateful. Can’t thank WSL enough, and everyone for making it a special weekend.”
World Junior Championships Women’s Final Results
Winner – Sierra Kerr (Australia) 16.83
Runner-up – Zoe Benedetto (USA) 11.50
World Junior Championships Women’s Semifinal Results
HEAT 1: Zoe Benedetto (USA) 10.17 DEF. Sol Aguirre (Peru) 9.77
HEAT 2: Sierra Kerr (Australia) 16.17 DEF. Talia Swindal (USA) 12.26
Main Photo Caption: 2023 WSL World Junior Championships champion Australia’s Sierra Kerr pictured surfing against home favourite Talia Swindal in Heat 2 of the Semifinals at Oceanside Pier in San Diego, California, on 13 January, 2024. Photo: Kenny Morris/World Surf League
Photo 2 Caption: 2023 WSL World Junior champ Sierra Kerr scored a remarkable 16.83 in the competitoin final to beat the USA’s Zoe Benedetto on 11.50. Photo: World Surf League
Photo 3 Caption: Sierra Kerr of Australia after winning the Final at the 2023 Sambazon World Junior Championships on January 13, 2024 at San Diego, California. (Photo by Kenny Morris/World Surf League). Photo: Kenny Morris/World Surf League
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