If there was a new talent that could awaken such enthusiasm in Argentine surfing, it does not surprise anyone that he is the son of Martin Passeri. Almost by design of destiny. Or a lineage. In a way of being, feeling, thinking and competing. They say that fruits do not fall far from the tree and, in this case, it fell close to the trunk. And it grew next to him, like a little plant supported by a tutor. In this case, absorbing each lesson and learning, taking each advice, seeing and listening, until reaching a shocking present that does nothing but ask us “how far?”
Thiago, 15 years old from Mar del Plata who is the Latin jewel of the moment and already a star within the most important team in the country -Team Quiksilver-, grew up in the best possible scenario, next to the greatest Argentine champion (6 titles), the pioneer of professionalism in national surfing but, also, an elite, modern, multidisciplinary coach, with an open mind, who is desperate to learn more every day, who knows and wants more, among other things learning to be a coach for his own son.
And there they both go, for years sweeping every tournament and category, with Thiago competing -and beating- older boys. And now, already standing out at the international level, having been Latin champion at the end of last year and now, in a few weeks, adding two milestones that fuel hope: bronze in the Junior World Cup and champion in two categories (U16 and U18) of the Pro Tour Waves, all in Rio de Janeiro.
“In his case I feel that there is a nice combination between competitiveness, discipline and the naturalness of the environment in which he grew up. Since he was a child he played at being a champion when he surfed, he celebrated his waves as if they were from a series and to that game was added that the family was always with me in each event, at home we argued when we watched the championships and from the beginning he joined all the programs that I put together for my students”explains dad Passeri. But, in addition to the environment, you can see the essence of a special boy. “Thiago is the best student I have ever had, first because he is very dedicated and applied, second because his desire exceeds that of many and, last but not least, there is little interference in my work with him,” analyzes who is the coach and father at the same time.
Nothing seems to surprise Martín. “I imagined it like this, everything fast, because Thiago doubles the time and experiences in relation to his peers. When an athlete catches a wave, Thiago takes 2 or 3, in addition to being very demanding of himself and absorbing everything that is around him,” he comments and cannot help comparing him with Franco Radziunas, the other great surfer of the moment, leader of Team Quiksilver’s Open team at just 21 years old. “That he looks like Franco is a guideline that surrounding yourself with excellent athletes empowers you. Thiago and Franco fulfill most of the points on the list. Thiago, unlike Franco, was able to dedicate more time to it because he has taken advantage of the opportunity he has to travel, doing distance learning since he was 13. Still, nothing would germinate if it were not different. He is a boy who deliberately and intensely dedicates quality time to each session,” he argues.
What of Thiago It has been almost a tsunami. In 2023, after being national champion in U14 and podium in U16 and U18, he embarked on a three-month tour of El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and California, where he obtained notable results, including being champion of the famous Latin American tournament (ALAS). . From there he returned to the country and prepared for the ISA Junior World Cup in May. And there, on the beaches of Rio, he shocked everyone by achieving the first medal – bronze – for the country in the U16 category.
“The most impressive thing was having reached the final having won most of the series, with excellent scores. Sometimes winning or losing is looking at the tree and not the forest. The scores you achieve, the consistency, the adaptability to all conditions and the constant improvement are things that encourage me to say that you are on a great journey. Also important are the recoveries after a defeat or a bad session and the pressure that he knows how to absorb,” analyzes Martín, opening the door so that, next to him, the wonder boy can leave the sensations of him.
“Winning bronze was spectacular, but not having lost focus for nine days and making solid progress in all the heats was something that surpassed my limits. The experience was unique because the World Championship is a very different competition from anything that can be, for example, the world circuit, something a little more individual. Being in a World Cup, representing your country and being part of a team, is the best thing about sport. “I’m not going to forget everyone’s encouragement from the beach,” she says.
“The Latin American championship was the kickoff to raise the bar, then the World Cup hit and now the OLAS circuit turned out to be the best platform we could choose to compete and improve in all types of waves. He won 5 of 7 dates in U16 and got into 6 of 7 finals in U18. This not only speaks of his level but also of the way in which he competed and won in the two categories, reflecting physical and mental work,” explains the father.
Thiago, Simply live in the moment naturally. “I’m just enjoying it with my family, friends and teammates. I think I am achieving a lot for the time I dedicate, not only to surfing but to training, analyzing, being physically and mentally well, eating well, among other things. I don’t feel like I’m different, I just have been developing habits that other people may overlook and that’s what positions me perhaps a little above some,” he explains, not without mentioning that nothing would be the same without his father by his side. “Basically because he is in everything, always helping, especially when I am angry or sad,” he adds.
Both, together with the mother, Mariana, They will now stay in Brazil, although away from the tournaments for 50 days, to continue polishing the physical and technical aspects, even to advance in remote study. Always thinking about big goals, thinking about answering: how far can Thiago go? Can he be the first Argentine to reach the Championship Tour where the 34 best in the world compete?
“Everything will be the result of your intention and dedication. It has many things to continue improving, but at the same time conditions to make this a beautiful and long-lasting path… You have to keep the focus on the process and let the goals be a consequence,” reasons one. Although the other one doesn’t get off any boat. “At this point I think my head has no limits and what I want most is to go as far as possible and, above all, enjoy everything, trust the process and enjoy everything I do.” In which one does Martín or Thiago speak? Two drops of water, although with a new version that promises to be improved.
Thiago Passeri in action
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
