On July 8, John John Florence officially pulled out of the Corona Open J-Bay. It was to be expected, but it’s still disappointing. The two-time world champion tore his MCL at the G-Land event and subsequently pulled out of El Salvador and Brazil, as well.
“John has withdrawn from the Corona Open J-Bay after following his doctor’s advice to continue the healing process of his knee injury,” the World Surf League said in an announcement. “Luke Thompson, the highest ranked male South African surfer on the Ballito Pro Challenger Series event, accepted the replacement spot.”
The last time John John surfed a full season was 2017. That was also the same year he won his most recent world title. But even when he’s not fully healthy, John John is still one of the best in the world. In 2019, after tearing his ACL, he qualified for the Olympics.
He began this year relatively well, too, with a runner finish at Margs, a third place in Portugal, and two fifth place finishes at Pipe and Bells. Now though, with yet another missed event, it appears that 2022 will is a wasted year for John John Florence. Fingers crossed we’ll see him back in full-form soon.