John John Florence announced Friday evening that he will not be returning to the WSL Championship Tour anytime soon, after sustaining a knee injury while freesurfing during the Corona Bali Protected.
"I really wanted to thank everyone who has helped me with my injury or who has sent over positive messages the last few weeks," Florence said on his Instagram. "I'm feeling grateful to have so many good people in my life. I've been focused on recovering as quickly as possible and on exploring some new interests so I haven't had time to share too much."
"The diagnosis of my knee is a high grade partial tear to my right ACL," Florence continued. "It's a bummer not to be able to surf but I'm excited for the opportunity to get into some new types of adventures with friends and family while I'm recovering. In terms of competing again I am not sure if it will be 60 days or 120 days, or less or more. When I return I want to know that I can go as fast and as big as I want to without any thought of my knee. That will be my test before I put a jersey back on."
Florence was eliminated from the Corona Bali Protected in Round 3 and was training for the upcoming Uluwatu CT when the injury took place. Coach Ross Williams was watching from the shore.
"Johns style of decompressing is looking for big sections and sending it," Williams said on the injury. "I was holding my breath the minute he paddled out. I knew he was feeling jumpy. At one point I looked at him from the beach and gestured to take it easy."
There's little doubt that Florence had higher hopes for the start of this season. With the Title race taking shape and Filipe Toledo leading the charge, it's a surprise to everyone that Florence is not involved in that conversation. Although it's well known that the North Shore native has been unable to put up a solid result this year, many believed it was only a matter of time before he would bounce back from this injury.
Unfortunately, with a partial tear to his ACL, bouncing back will take longer than anticipated.
John John Florence Withdraws From Competition
WSL
John John Florence announced Friday evening that he will not be returning to the WSL Championship Tour anytime soon, after sustaining a knee injury while freesurfing during the Corona Bali Protected.
"I really wanted to thank everyone who has helped me with my injury or who has sent over positive messages the last few weeks," Florence said on his Instagram. "I'm feeling grateful to have so many good people in my life. I've been focused on recovering as quickly as possible and on exploring some new interests so I haven't had time to share too much."
"The diagnosis of my knee is a high grade partial tear to my right ACL," Florence continued. "It's a bummer not to be able to surf but I'm excited for the opportunity to get into some new types of adventures with friends and family while I'm recovering. In terms of competing again I am not sure if it will be 60 days or 120 days, or less or more. When I return I want to know that I can go as fast and as big as I want to without any thought of my knee. That will be my test before I put a jersey back on."
Florence was eliminated from the Corona Bali Protected in Round 3 and was training for the upcoming Uluwatu CT when the injury took place. Coach Ross Williams was watching from the shore.
"Johns style of decompressing is looking for big sections and sending it," Williams said on the injury. "I was holding my breath the minute he paddled out. I knew he was feeling jumpy. At one point I looked at him from the beach and gestured to take it easy."
There's little doubt that Florence had higher hopes for the start of this season. With the Title race taking shape and Filipe Toledo leading the charge, it's a surprise to everyone that Florence is not involved in that conversation. Although it's well known that the North Shore native has been unable to put up a solid result this year, many believed it was only a matter of time before he would bounce back from this injury.
Unfortunately, with a partial tear to his ACL, bouncing back will take longer than anticipated.
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With the news that Florence has withdrawn from Margaret River, the picture in Australia must now shift focus.
Season 1, Episode 17
Plus, Mick and Ross break down John's 10-point ride at Main Break, tour quivers, and more.
Florence, the two-time WSL Champion and 2021 Olympic qualifier, sustained a knee injury during the Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro.
Huge surf and insane performances, it's been a heck of a week at Main Break ... and there's more to come for Finals Day.