Kekoa bacalso biography
Bacalso still riding high after big victory
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Mililani surfer Kekoa Bacalso is living large and loving it.
After winning the Billabong World Junior Championship last week at Australia, Bacalso has not had time to return home or stop celebrating.
"It's been so crazy," said Bacalso, 20.
Bacalso still riding high after big victory | The Honolulu ...
"I haven't had this much attention in my life."
His father, Tony Bacalso, said: "He called us to tell us how busy he was and said, 'Wow, I feel like a celebrity now.' "
Often teased by his friends for being overweight, Bacalso got the last laugh when he overcame small waves to win the prestigious event in North Narrabeen, Australia.
The contest is considered the world championship for surfers under the age of 21, professional or amateur.
The only other surfer from Hawai'i to win it was Kaua'i's Andy Irons in 1998.
Irons went on to win three professional world championships.
"There's going to be some big expectatio Our North American Surf/Snow Team | Team News | Rip Curl ... PEJ