US, Canada make history at surfing Pan Am Games debut

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Surfers Kevin Schulz of the United States and Cody Young of Canada have made history as the first competitors in the ocean during the sport’s debut in the Pan American Games.

Young earned 10.43 points to Schulz’s 7.50 Monday at Punta Rocas beach, a reef break located about 38 miles (60 kilometers) south of the Peruvian capital of Lima.

The 20-year-old Young said his victory was bittersweet. He was glad to qualify for the next round. But he says it was tough to compete against Schulz because he’s a close friend and they often meet to catch waves.

Surfing’s debut at the Pan Am Games also coincided with Schulz’s 24th birthday. He will now compete for a spot in the final against other surfers who placed highly but failed to win their heats.

Surfing will also make its Olympic debut next year in Tokyo.