Of Course Kanoa Igarashi Is The First Surfer Qualified For The 2028 Olympics

Unlike the rest of his CT counterparts, Kanoa Igarashi won’t be spending the next two years worrying about how he’s getting into the Los Angeles Olympics — or engaging in any boycotts.

The 28-year-old Japanese surfer won gold yesterday at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi, Japan, beating Indonesia’s Made Pajar Ariyana in the men’s shortboard final with a 12.87 heat total. 

As he subsequently shared on his Instagram, the result earned Kanoa the Asian continental qualification spot for the 2028 Olympic Games.

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How? 

Well, the Asian Games are essentially Asia’s continental version of the Olympics. Held every four years, they bring together athletes representing countries from across Asia in dozens of sports. Surfing was included for the first time in 2026, and under the LA28 qualification system, the highest-ranked eligible man and woman each received an Olympic quota place. 

Japan swept both, with 18-year old regular footer Mirai Ikeda winning the women’s event (beating China’s Siqi Yang in the process).

Unlike most of the LA28 field, which will eventually be populated through the WSL Championship Tour, ISA World Surfing Games and other continental events, Kanoa’s Asian Games spot is earned individually by name rather than simply giving Japan another generic team berth. He also beat “countryman” Connor O’Leary and scored a 10 for a Kerrupt en route to victory.

Lee Wilson was, reportedly, not a judge.

Technically, Kanoa’s spot is dubbed a ‘provisional LA28 quota’, because there are still some bureaucratic and administrative boxes that have to be ticked before the IOC treats him as a proper Olympian. 

Essentially, these provisions include continued athlete eligibility and the Japanese Olympic Committee formally accepting/confirming the place. 

But, for all intents and purposes, he’s qualified. 

Which means Kanoa is on track for his third consecutive Olympics.

He won silver at Tokyo 2020, losing the gold-medal heat to Italo Ferreira at Tsurigasaki Beach, then finished equal ninth at Paris 2024 in Teahupo’o. 

LA will provide a familiar venue.

Just over a week ago, Kanoa finished second at the Lexus Trestles Pro, losing the all-JS final to Miguel Pupo (at the hands of somewhat questionable scoring).

So, within the space of 10 days or so, Kanoa has finaled in a CT at the future Olympic venue and secured his place there for 2028. Confidence inducing stuff. Watch this space.