Leilor’s opponents will include recently-qualified Pan Am champion Daniella Rosas and the top surfers from Africa and Oceania, South Africa’s Bianca Buitendag and Ella Williams from New Zealand.

“I’m blessed to be surrounded by people I love who support me and push me to be the best version of myself I can be,” Leilor shared on Instagram.

“I’m more than happy to announce I will be taking part at the Olympics 2020. It hasn’t really settled in my mind.”

Leilor, who started surfing with sister Noa when she was five, placed ninth in the competition, ahead of Nadia Erostarbe of Spain and Eveline Hooft from the Netherlands. It was enough to confirm her place in the Israel squad in Japan next year. 

Surfing is one of four sports debuting in Tokyo and 20 surfers of each gender will compete at Tsurigasaki Beach in Chiba. 

As the host nation, Japan automatically secures one slot in each gender category, with the remaining places to be decided at two upcoming competitions. Only two surfers from each country are allowed to compete at the Olympics.

While Leilor is celebrating, there is a highly unlikely scenario that would see her lose her place. As only two surfers can qualify from each country, if two Israelis finish ahead of Leilor in qualifying positions at the 2020 World Surfing Games she would lose her place.

However, only one other Israeli, Advah Bar Sade, competed this year and she finished well behind Leilor in 65th place