Kauli Vaast from French Polynesia and Caroline Marks from the United States won gold medals in surfing at the Paris Olympics in Tahiti on Monday.

Surfers rode through and wiped out on barrel-shaped waves in their quest for gold during the first day of the Paris Olympics surfing competition in Tahiti on Saturday, with some of the biggest names in the sport paddling side-by-side in the ocean.

In an extraordinary Olympic Games where mental health has been front and center, acts of kindness are everywhere.

It’s been a long wait, but for Brevard County native surfer Caroline Marks, the time has arrived.

"I don't know, I'm just trying to enjoy the best time of my life," Marks said. “I’m super proud of her, she’s handled it well,” said Marks’ father, Darren, who was at the beach with the family. Marks, who won the only two Florida Pro events ever held at Sebastian Inlet, was the youngest world tour qualifier -- for men or women -- at the age of 15. Now, she could become the youngest world champion if she can overtake Moore this week. Kolohe Andino is ranked fifth on the world circuit and has virtually clinched the top spot.