'I feel so supported': Olympic surfer makes quarter finals while 16 weeks pregnant

Olympic medallist Johanne Defay has made it through to the quarter finals of the Rip Curl Pro in Portugal - all while being 16 weeks pregnant.

The 31-year-old, who won a bronze medal at Paris 2024, is competing in her final World Surf League event before going on maternity leave.

Defay produced a strong display in the round of 16 to get past Vahine Fierro, setting up a a clash against American star Caroline Marks.

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She announced her pregnancy in February but has continued to surf competitively and is looking for a second-straight win at the event in Peniche.

"She's out here to prove you can do it all," commentator AJ McCord said.

"You can be a mother, you can be a professional athlete."

Defay - who created history by continuing to compete as a pro this long into her pregnancy - admitted having her swansong close to home was a special moment.

"I'm super happy to get that win and I feel so supported here," she said.

"It's really nice to have my last event in Europe."

Defay has also expressed her plans to come back to the tour once her child is born.

Elsewhere at the event, Australian stars Tyler Wright and Molly Picklum have also both advanced to the final eight and will face each other in the quarters.