Medina will be on the sidelines once again. Photo: WSL//Tony Heff
Gabriel Medina is one of the best surfers in Brazil’s storied wave-riding history. In fact, he’s one of the best surfers the world has ever seen. The goofy-footer landed world titles in 2014, 2018, and 2021 and it’s no secret that he’s hungry for more. But in a surprising move, Medina withdrew from the Pipeline Pro this year shortly before it was slated to begin to focus on his mental health. Unfortunately, it looks as though Medina might miss more time after an injury in Rio.
“The past few months have been a difficult time for me personally and it has taken a toll,” Medina told the World Surf League when he withdrew from Pipe.
In May, Medina announced his return to competition. He told the Olympic committee that he spent the time away talking with a psychologist, working on ways to heal relationships with his family and improve his mental state.
“This time [away] was good for me. It’s not a secret, it’s even interesting to talk about mental health – I had depression, I started treating myself with a psychologist,” Medina said “I’m better, happy to be finding myself again. I learned a lot during this time.”
Medina returned in top form, despite his eight-month hiatus from competition. He finished an even third at G-Land and again at the El Salvador Pro, giving us glimpses that he could make that final five despite his late start to the season. But at the Rio Pro, Medina fell on his board, apparently injuring his left knee.
Today he posted an update to his Instagram account: “This afternoon I had an MRI taken on both my knees and the results showed an injury on my left knee. The recovery time will be between four and six weeks. Due to this unfortunate event I will be out of J-Bay. Next week I start physiotherapy and I’m confident I will be back even stronger.”
With the Brazilian’s withdrawal from J-Bay – and who knows how long that recovery may actually take – Medina won’t finish the season with enough points to qualify for the finals at Trestles. That’ll make the 2022-2023 season even more interesting with both Medina and John John Florence looking to return to form following injury.
