Ça y est! Caroline Sarran has thrilled the surfing world by earning qualification to the prestigious Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT). Come the start of the new WCT season in early 2007, Caroline will be ready to take her place among the elite of women’s surfing and mount her first challenge for the coveted ASP world title.

As the youngest and only European competitor on next year’s ASP Women’s WCT, the qualification of France’s 21-year-old surfer is all the more remarkable – and having taken a major step towards fulfilling her potential as one of the brightest talents of her generation, Caroline is looking forward to showing the world what she’s capable of on surfing biggest stage.

Caroline’s meteoric rise through the surfing ranks is a remarkable story. Emerging as far back as 1998 with the first of four consecutive under-18 French and European Championship titles, she left a lasting impression on the elite of women’s surfing in 2004, claiming two shock 5th places finishes as a wild card competitor in WCT contests in Fiji and Anglet. The following year, Caroline added the 2005 ASP Europe Championship (EPSA) title and a 10th place finish in the overall WQS ratings to her long list of accolades.

Fast forward to 2006 and Caroline wasted no time in staking her claim to take her place among the world’s top 17 surfers on the WCT. Three top 5 finishes, including a stunning 3rd place in the WQS 4-star Gallaz Surf Jam in Florida, put her in firm contention for qualification from the outset. Consistent performances in the water throughout the rest of the season helped her to her 7th place finish in the overall ratings following the WQS season-ending OP Pro Haleiwa Oahu-Hawaii.

With three top 10 WCT surfers sitting ahead of her in the WQS ratings, Caroline had to wait for results to go her way in the final WCT contest of the season before uncorking the champagne and kicking off the celebrations.

Franck Corbery, O’Neill Europe Team Manager, is clearly stoked for Caroline, adding: “F**k yeah, we’re so stoked! When Caro joined the team, we knew someone with that much talent would represent a really big asset for our European surf team. Her qualification to the CT in 2007 is just the icing on the cake, and O’Neill can’t wait to support Caro as she paddles out alongside the world’s best surfers. We know her spirit of progression, passion and fun will do us proud!”

And after such a nail-biting end to her season, Caroline is obviously super-happy to have achieved her goal for 2006, stating: “This is a dream come true for me. Qualifying for the WCT has always been my biggest goal in surfing, and to do it here in Hawaii is just the best feeling ever! Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this adventure, including my family, boyfriend and all my friends, and especially my O’Neill teammate Amandine Sanchez. I’m going to head to St. Barth to celebrate this milestone and then start training for next season – I can’t wait!”

Everyone at O’Neill would like to congratulate Caroline on her outstanding achievement, and wish her all the best in the first of what will hopefully be many years competing on the World Championship Tour.

For more information about Caroline and the rest of the O’Neill surf team, visit www.oneilleurope.com