Seventeen-year-old Lucas Wehle is set to make history as one of Malaysia’s first surfers to compete at the Asian Games, where surfing is being included as an official sport for the first time. The competition, held at Pacific Long Beach in Aichi, Japan, also serves as a qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Wehle, alongside 41-year-old Mona Rasidah, represents Malaysia in the surfing discipline. Born to a Malaysian mother and German father, Lucas has spent the past week training at the venue, adapting to a variety of wave conditions ranging from knee-high swells to powerful typhoon-induced waves reaching up to 10 feet.

“I experienced it all,” Lucas said, describing the broad spectrum of wave sizes during his preparations. He emphasized the importance of competing at the Asian Games as a chance to gain valuable experience at the highest regional level.

Malaysia secured its place through qualification points earned at last year’s Asian Regional Championships in India. Looking ahead to the competition, Lucas noted that forecasts predict smaller waves in the initial days of the event. Drawing on prior training stints in Portugal, where he is based, and Bali, he expressed confidence in handling the varying conditions.

The young surfer will face formidable opponents, including Japan’s Olympic silver medalist Kanoa Igarashi, teammate Connor O’Leary, and Indonesia’s world junior champion Bronson Meidy. Rather than being daunted by their presence, Lucas views these world-class athletes as motivation, citing Igarashi as his idol.

Lucas’s training has been supported by his school, which has provided flexible arrangements for travel and competition. Malaysian head coach Muttakin Talib, who is also an International Surfing Association judge, has aided with competition simulations and video analysis to prepare the teenager. The National Sports Council and Malaysian Surfing Association have also played supportive roles.

With the Asian Games marking a historic moment for Malaysian surfing, Lucas hopes to deliver a strong performance that will resonate back home. “I just hope I’ll be able to show what I’m capable of and make everyone at home proud,” he said.