View this post on Instagram
What is it with John John Florence and Margaret River? For the second time, Margs has sent the two-time world champ packing due to injury. Florence announced on his Instagram account and through the World Surf League that he was withdrawing from Margaret River and won’t compete at Rottnest Island due to a left knee injury suffered in competition.
“I wanted to let everyone know that I’m withdrawing from Margaret River and the rest of the Australian leg,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, I hurt my left knee on the end section of a wave during my Round 16 heat two days ago. I was able to surf the rest of my heat, just kind of feeling it out, but I knew something was off. It’s not the same knee I dealt with last year so that’s good, but with the Olympics coming up this summer I’m going to focus on healing up and getting strong. Thanks to everyone for the support and to Australia for having us. We’re very appreciative and had a great time.”
The Japan Olympics, which were postponed in 2020, are scheduled to open July 23 but there’s currently acrimony surrounding the games: a state of emergency in Tokyo has been extended through May as the country deals with rising Coronavirus cases and an online petition to cancel the Olympics has garnered over 200,000 signatures.
