For the first time in the history of professional surfing in Costa Rica, the national team is proudly returning from a major international tournament with medals. This is the second time that the National Surfing Team of Costa Rica participates in the World Surfing Games of the International Surfing Association (ISA), and it was a momentous tournament for Tico surfers on many levels.

Our National Surfing Team came in at fourth place at the Claro ISA 50th Anniversary World Surfing Games in Peru. The team collectively earned a copper medal. Surfers Anthony Fillingim from Santa Teresa de Cobano and Leilani McGonagle from Pavones had phenomenal performances; the latter now ranked as the sixth best surfer in her category (she is 14 years old) and the former earning a silver medal in a tight heat against Leandro Usuna from Argentina.

Miss McGonagle comes from a surfing family; the professional trajectory of her brother Noe Mar has been covered by The Costa Rica Star on various occasions. The young Miss McGonagle is bringing back surfing glory that Costa Rica has not seen since Nataly Bernold was ranked 6^th in the world after her performance at the World Open in Portugal.

According to the National Surfing Federation, the total medal count for Costa Rica in pro international tournaments currently stands at seven. Federation officials are pleased by recent performances, but they are also looking for greater glory.

Professional surfing in Costa Rica has been gradually developing since 1990. Over the last few years, Tico surfers have increased their participation in the pro circuits, but putting together a solid National Surfing Team to compete at the top ISA level, which is the equivalent of an Olympic competition, has been challenging from a financial and administrative point of view. The National Surfing Federation of Costa Rica has been persistent in getting support from the governmental agencies that oversee athletics, and the hard work is paying off.