Daughter of three times world champ Tom Curren, then born and raised in Hossegor, Leanne Curren has surfing in her blood, so it's not surprising that she's now one of the most exciting female rippers in Europe - at just 19 years of age.
She's already causing controversy; currently at number one in the ASP rankings, former World Champion Sofia Mulanovich seems to be unlucky when faced with groms. On the opening day of the Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle in Hossegor yesterday (Thursday 29th) little Leanne, winner of the Junior comp and subsequent wild card holder, went on to thrash her hero with an 8.0 out of 10 heat in Round 3, with some strong forehand surfing.
“I am just overwhelmed right now,” Curren said. “Sofia (Mulanovich) is one of my favorite surfers and to beat her at home in front of everyone is really special. It’s something I will always remember.”
“I wasn’t really nervous,” Curren said. “I have nothing to lose out here and I’m just happy to be in the competition surfing against the best surfers in the world. I am just trying to have fun and do my best out there.”
Curren will now face Aussie ripper Jessi Miley-Dyer in Friday's round 2, and then possibly current World Champ Stephanie Gilmore, who's already impressed by the young blood's talent:
“I was out in the water when I watched Lee Ann (Curren) take out Sofia (Mulanovich) and that fired me up a bit,” Gilmore said. “It’s good as it allows me to gain a little ground in the ratings and hopefully I can keep going here in France.”
That's all pretty swell timing for Cooler magazine too; they just posted an exclusive - and great - interview with the young wave wonder online, written by Elisa Routa, with photos by Lorene Carpentier. Leanne discusses nicknames, her training routine, the relationship with her surfing legend Dad plus some tips for any wanna be pro surfers.... well worth a look you can read it here!
[Image: ASP Associated Images]
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