“My lower back has been in constant pain for the last three years and although I’ve been able to fight through it with short stints of rehab, it hasn’t fixed the problem.” – Kelly Slater Photo: WSL/Ed Sloane
If you’ve tuned in today to Round 1 of the Oi Rio Pro, you’ve likely noticed a conspicuous absence. Less than 24 hours before the event was set to begin, Kelly Slater was forced to withdraw citing injury – more specifically back issues.
“I have been working through some injuries the past several seasons and, unfortunately, I need to take some time off to mend my body,” Slater said in a WSL press release. “I won’t be in Rio and I don’t know how long I’ll need. My lower back has been in constant pain for the last three years and although I’ve been able to fight through it with short stints of rehab, it hasn’t fixed the problem. If I don’t do this now, at some point, I’ll ruin my body. I’m spending the next five weeks rehabilitating with WSL Doctors in Australia and we’ll see how I feel after that. I’m hopeful that I will be in top form again this season at some point. Thanks everyone for the support.”
In his most recent film project, Continuance, Slater made clear that this year he was going to make a serious run for a world title. Now, sitting 13th on tour, that feat wouldn’t necessarily be mathematically impossible, but it’d be difficult. The WSL press release goes so far as to say, “[Kelly’s] likely to be wearing the No. 11 jersey for the remainder of his days as a Championship Tour competitor.” Ouch.
Next after Rio is the OK Fiji Pro. Outerknown, of course, was recently named as the event’s new title sponsor. And Fiji is a favorite stop of Slater’s every year. Time will tell if he’s able to heal and build momentum in Fiji to put his name back in the mix.
