John dropping a hammer in last year’s event. Rumors about him skipping out on this year’s contest are unfounded. Photo: WSL/Jimmy Wilson
If there ever were an actual manifestation of the so-called rumor mill, it would likely be the world wide web. Ironically the wealth of information that exists online has also spurred a wealth of misinformation. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet, so the adage goes.
This week the web churned out a rumor that John John Florence may not surf in the 2016 Hurley Pro Trestles – the waiting period of which begins September 7.
If you recall, in John’s last wave of the final in Tahiti he tweaked his knee. With 3 minutes remaining and combo-ed by Kelly, John paddled back toward the boat. He said he heard it pop.
Later, of course, John John was able to make it to the podium for his post heat interview on his own, but maybe it was the adrenaline that suppressed the pain?
Not exactly. We reached out to John John’s camp who confirmed that while there was concern enough to have his knee looked at, the world #1 will indeed be surfing in the event:
“John had his knee evaluated, he’s doing well and looking forward to surfing at Lowers,” said friend Brandon Wasserman.
Looks like the momentum from Tahiti won’t be cut short by injury.
John John now finds himself in the best position since qualifying for the ‘CT in 2011 to clinch a world title. And at Lowers specifically, this year represents an opportunity for redemption.
In last year’s event – still nursing a bum ankle – John suffered a disappointing loss in round 2 to Glen “Micro” Hall. Indeed, two years in a row ankle injuries have caused the North Shore-bred phenom to withdraw from contests, marring world title dreams. A rumor about a knee injury seemed, well, plausible.
But don’t take John John off your fantasy team so hastily. The yellow jersey will be out in full force come Lowers.
