John John Florence and Tiago Pires. Just two of the ASP World Tour competitors battling injuries this year. Photo: ASP
Who said surfing isn’t tough on the body? Today, defending Billabong Pro Rio champion, John John Florence, announced that he would withdraw from the upcoming contest in Brazil in order to allow his ankle time to recover.
“I am going to take my time and wait for my ankle to heal 100% before competing,” Florence said. “I am looking forward to being healthy and ready for Fiji and the rest of the year.”
Florence isn’t the only competitor facing injury complications at the moment as Portugal’s Tiago Pires hurt his knee during a recent run of great surf at home.
“The last few days at home have been absolutely crazy, with good surf pretty much everywhere. From Ericeira to Peniche and a bit of Carcavelos (where the Prime is going to be after the WCT in Peniche) in the mix!” Pires told the ASP.
“I’ve pulled a ligament in my left knee while surfing this past Saturday,” said Pires. “Usually they predict four-to-six weeks with these type of injuries but I’m working hard everyday to recover for Rio. I’m doing two sessions of physiotherapy a day hoping that I can be close to 100% before the event,” Pires stated.
Hawaiian Tour veteran Fred Patacchia also joins the list of those who will not be competing in Rio. Patacchia has been sidelined all year with an ankle injury and hopes to recover in time for Fiji.
Footage of Tiago Pires enjoying the surf at home before his injury:
