Who is Alan Cleland?

Alan Cleland: Hero of Mexican Surfing

Alan Cleland, a 22-year-old surfer from Boca de Pascuales, Colima, has left an indelible mark on the history of Mexican surfing. His participation in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and his recent victory at the US Open of Surfing have cemented his status as one of the best surfers in the world. This article explores his career, from his Olympic qualification to his thrilling US Open triumph, as well as his success in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series competitions.

Alan Cleland, the first Mexican surfer to compete in the Olympic Games | Glamour

Participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Alan Cleland made history by becoming the first Mexican surfer to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics . His qualification was the result of an outstanding performance at the 2023 World Surfing Games , where he was crowned champion, becoming the second Mexican to achieve this title, after Jhoiny Corzo in 2017. During his participation in the Olympic Games, Cleland showcased his talent by recording a score of 15.17 in the elimination round , which placed him in eighth place in his heat. Despite his impressive performance, he was eliminated by France's Joan Duru, who achieved a superior score of 18.13 . Although he fell short of medals, his participation was a significant milestone for surfing in Mexico, inspiring future generations of surfers and raising the profile of the sport in the country.

Alan Cleland makes history as the first Mexican US Open of Surfing champion | Marcausa

Victory at the US Open of Surfing

Following his participation in the Olympic Games, Alan Cleland appeared at the 2024 US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California, where he achieved a historic victory by becoming the first Mexican to win this prestigious tournament . The competition began on August 9, 2024 , and Cleland demonstrated his skill by advancing through the rounds, facing off against renowned competitors. In the thrilling final, Cleland faced Frenchman Marco Mignot in a duel that came down to the final seconds. With a score of 12.70 , he edged out Mignot, who scored 12.60 , securing his victory. The excitement of the moment was palpable, and Cleland celebrated his triumph with a shout of "Viva México!" This title not only reaffirms his talent but also marks a new chapter in the history of Mexican surfing, cementing his position as one of the best surfers in the world.

Successes in the WSL Qualifying Series

Before his Olympic achievements and his US Open victory, Alan Cleland had already demonstrated his potential in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series . His participation in these competitions has allowed him to accumulate valuable experience and points, bringing him ever closer to his goal of competing on the professional surfing circuit. Cleland has excelled in several Qualifying Series competitions, where he has competed against high-level surfers. His victory at the World Surfing Games and his recent success at the US Open are testaments to his dedication and skills in the water. With each competition, Cleland continues to raise the profile of surfing in Mexico and pave the way for other young surfers.