- WSL / Keoki Saguibo

If you were wondering why Sage Erickson was found wearing Courtney Conlogue's black jersey in the Elimination Round of the Maui Pro presented by ROXY, here's why:

As the horn blew an end on Heat Six of the Seeding Round, Sage Erickson -- who came up short against Tatiana Weston-Webb and Courtney Conlogue, was placed immediately into the first heat of the Elimination Round.

In the 10-minute break between rounds, Sage would have to paddle out of the water, climb up the trail at Honolua, grab her black jersey, and then jump back out for her next heat. And during this break there happened to be a pumping set rolling through the venue. Sage was unable to make the switch.

KAPALUA, HI - DECEMBER 4: Sage Erickson of the USA placed second in Heat 1 of Round 2 of the Maui Pro presented by ROXY at Honolua Bay on December 4, 2020 in Kapalua, Hawaii. (Photo by Keoki Saguibo/World Surf League via Getty Images) Sage Erickson wearing Conlogue's black number 11 jersey in her Elimination Round heat. - WSL / Keoki Saguibo

Courtney signaled to her that she needed to be in the water for the first heat of the next round. Sage would be in the black jersey and Courtney had hers on from the previous heat.

Even with her recent injury of 14 stitches and a broken nose from a practice session before the contest, Courtney pulled off her black number 11 jersey and gave it to her fellow competitor.

"Gosh I've been thinking ever since...What an incredible woman, competitor and friend," shared Sage in an Instagram post. "Time and time again, she's shown me things ill never forget in a person and beyond competition, when her heats not on she will always do right by people and help lift up and push forward."

Beyond competition, Courtney is the embodiment of good sportsmanship, an individual with integrity and passion. Sage went on to advance out of her heat proud to be wearing Conlogue on her back.

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