Hossegor, France – In a landmark decision for women’s surfing, French athlete Johanne Defay has been awarded the World Surf League’s (WSL) first-ever maternity wildcard. The announcement, made Monday, guarantees Defay a spot on the Championship Tour (CT) in 2027, allowing her to resume her professional career after taking a pause to start a family.
Defay, 32, is a trailblazer in French surfing, having earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She paused her competitive career in March 2025, shortly before welcoming her first child. The latest “maternity wildcard” initiative from the WSL directly addresses the challenges faced by female athletes balancing motherhood and professional sports.
“I am super happy to obtain the remarkably first maternity wildcard, it’s a great honor and a new challenge that I really wish to take on,” Defay said, according to the WSL. She is the most decorated French surfer on the CT, having secured six stage victories throughout her career.
The path back to the elite level isn’t always straightforward for athletes returning from maternity exit. Without this new provision, Defay would have been required to compete on the Challenger Series (CS), the second-tier of professional surfing, to regain a qualifying spot on the CT in 2027. The CS is a demanding circuit, and the wildcard bypasses that requirement, acknowledging the unique circumstances of returning mothers.
Defay has already begun to ease back into training, but has not yet participated in any competitions since becoming a mother. The 2026 CT season, featuring the world’s top 24 female surfers, is scheduled to begin in early April in Australia. While a full return to peak form will take time, Defay is approaching the challenge with a measured perspective.
“The training sessions are piling up, some days are better than others, some days I have my head in the game, others less so,” Defay explained. “I like to juggle between surfing, enjoying myself and setting little goals for motivation.”
This decision by the WSL isn’t just about one athlete; it’s about setting a precedent for supporting female athletes across the sport. The maternity wildcard acknowledges the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and childbirth, and provides a pathway for athletes to return to competition without facing undue pressure or jeopardizing their careers. It’s a significant step towards greater equity and inclusivity in professional surfing.
Defay’s journey to the podium in Paris was itself a testament to resilience. She overcame significant obstacles to secure the bronze medal, a moment that resonated deeply with fans and highlighted her determination. Now, with the support of the WSL’s new initiative, she has the opportunity to build on that success and inspire a new generation of female surfers.
While the wildcard secures her place on the CT in 2027, Defay isn’t ruling out opportunities to compete in select Challenger Series events this season. She may too receive invitations to participate in certain CT events, allowing her to gradually regain her competitive edge. This phased approach is designed to assist her transition smoothly back into the demanding world of professional surfing.
The WSL’s move is part of a broader trend in sports organizations recognizing the need to support athletes through major life transitions. Similar initiatives are being explored in other sports, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of athlete well-being and the need to create a more sustainable and equitable sporting landscape.
For Johanne Defay, the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but she is embracing the opportunity with optimism and determination. The support of the WSL, her family, and her fans will be crucial as she navigates this new chapter in her career. The surfing world will be watching with anticipation as she prepares to return to the CT in 2027.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Defay will be her continued training and potential participation in Challenger Series events throughout 2026, as she prepares for her official return to the Championship Tour in 2027. Fans can follow her progress and receive official updates through the WSL website and her social media channels.
What are your thoughts on the WSL’s new maternity wildcard? Share your comments below!
