Most people would tremble at the idea of getting caught up in a 73.5-foot wave. But for Brazilian pro-surfer Maya, it presented the perfect opportunity to break her 2018 world record for the largest wave surfed by a female. The athlete skillfully maneuvered (操控) the massive wave at the World Surf League (WSL) Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge in Praia do Norte, Portugal, where she established her first world record by riding a 68-foot wave.

“When I let go of the rope, I had a feeling it could be the one but wasn’t sure. The speed was very high, but the noise that the wave made when it broke made me realize that this was probably the biggest wave I’d ever ridden.

Her record, earning her WSL’s 2020 women’s Biggest Wave Award, was two feet higher than Dupont’s wave, who had ridden the largest wave. It was also 3.5 feet higher than the 70-foot wave ridden by the 2020 men’s Biggest Wave Award winner Kai Lenny!

“Our sport is very male-dominated, with the performances on the male side being often much stronger than ours as females,” she said. “This year, a woman did surf the biggest, tallest wave of the year. It opens the idea that in other categories and other areas of surfing, this could be accomplished, too.”

Though Maya, who has been surfing competitively since she was 15, seemed to effortlessly move over the monster surf, it has not all been smooth sailing. Her first attempt at pursuing the world’s biggest wave in Nazare, Portugal, in 2013 could have ended her career. The surfer suffered a disastrous wipeout that broke her ankle and almost caused her to drown. However, it did not reduce her determination to create her record as one of the world’s greatest surfers!

【小题1】What was Maya’s result in WSL Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge in 2018?

A．71.5 feet.	B．68 feet.
C．70 feet.	D．73.5 feet.

【小题2】What made Maya believe she was riding the biggest wave?

A．The noise of the wave.	B．The speed of the wave.
C．The size of the wave.	D．The height of the wave.

【小题3】What did Maya think of her achievement?

A．It reflected people’s idea about surfing.

B．It represented the highest level of surfers.

C．It proved the ability of female surfers.

D．It indicated the domination of males.

【小题4】What led to Maya’s achievement?

A．Her strong will.	B．Her talent.
C．Her attempt.	D．Her frustration.