Two-time World Surfing Champion, Hawaii John Florence underwent surgery on his left knee on Wednesday after injuring himself during the Margaret River leg of the World Circuit last week. The process was successful and he showed confidence in his recovery in time for the Tokyo Olympics, which will begin in July.
– I woke up with the surgeon’s report that everything went as smoothly as possible, and the procedure I did I hoped would give me a chance to surf with full force. Really feeling inspired by knowing that the Olympics are achievable. I am excited about this and will do everything I can to make it happen – said the surfer, who did not give details of the medical procedure or estimate the time to recover.
The injury occurred during the round of 16 of the Australian leg’s third event in the heat against Peterson Cristo of Brazil. Although injured, Florence emerged victorious, but announced that she would not compete in the quarter-finals, as well as taking the stage of Rottenest Island in Australia from 16 to 26 May.
Surfer, who was the world champion in 2016 and 2017, is one of the names represented at the United States Olympics along with Kolohe Andino. It is ranked fourth in the WSL rankings.
Without one of the top favorites in the cup, the Brazilians promise to steal the show at the start of the season. Gabriel Medina leads the World Circuit race, followed by compatriot Italo Ferreira, in second and Philip Toledo, in third.
