Tania Oliveira, 20, died yesterday in Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
The athletic brunette was undisputed champion in all the categories she took part in at regional level and was runner-up at the Portuguese national surf under-18 championship in 2015.
She finished 20th in the Liga MEO Surf 2017, Portugal’s main national surfing competition.
She also competed at high level in aerobic gymnastics.
FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK
The Portuguese Surf Federation said in a statement today: “The world of surf has just lost a young talent.
“The athlete Tania Oliveira, one of the most promising young female surfers, died yesterday.
“The Portuguese Surf Federation sends its condolences to her family and friends at this time of deep pain.”
The National Association of Surfers added: “We feel pain and sadness at learning of the death of surfer and competitor Tania Olivieira.
FACEBOOK
“The world of surf has just lost a young talent”
The Portuguese Surf Federation
“The next wave we catch will be for Tania.”
Former school teacher Andre Cardoso said in a Facebook post: “I am completely destroyed.
“She was my pupil for two years when she was aged 10 and 11.
“She was a really sweet girl.
FACEBOOK
“Rest in peace champion, rest in peace angel.”
Friend Lili Viana added on Facebook: “See you soon Tania Oliveira, pretty girl of surf.
“I hope we will meet again in Heaven.”
Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria police confirmed it was investigating Tania’s death but said the probe was at an “early stage” and they weren’t able to provide any more details.
FACEBOOK
Firefighters in Ponta Delgada, which is on Sao Miguel island in the Azores archipelago around two and a half hours by plane from the Portuguese capital Lisbon, also declined to comment.
Tania took up surfing when she was just 15.
She revealed in a TV interview at the end of 2016 that her favourite athlete was Carissa Moore, an American professional surfer and the 2011, 2013 and 2015 WSL Women’s World Tour Champion.
Asked about her plans for the future, she replied: “My plan for the future is to be able to get a sponsor that will me allow me to compete as much as possible and that help me to to evolve in the sport as well, for instance by providing me with the opportunity to know other waves and other places to surf.”
She added: “I’d like to motivate everyone to try surfing because it’s an incredible sport and one that changes lives completely.”