Barona has been on a torrid pace, stringing together a series of successful events with victories in Brazil, Argentina and Peru. She's also had two runner-up results in Chile and South Africa. Without a doubt, she has been a force to be reckoned with and came to the competition in Itacaré as one of the favorites to reach the winner's podium. Despite it being her first time to Itacaré, she looked right at home as she attacked the 3-foot waves on her backside in front of an exuberant crowd at Praia da Tiririca.
