Mick Fanning Stepping Away For 2016
Mick and his 2013 world title clinch at Pipeline. Photo WSL
I’m not sure I’m very shocked at this news given the past year Mick endured. A freak shark attack, death in the family and splitting from his wife Karissa. This would warrant some serious down time for anyone.
However Mick will be stepping away from the WCT this year to compete in select events only. “This is definitely not a retirement announcement,” assured Mick. Phew.
Mick didn’t take this decision lightly. Speaking to fellow surfers who’d been in similar positions. He’s heard from a select few that they regretted retirement and that time off had them hungry to compete again. “I think that’s where I’m at,” he told the WSL. “I don’t want to turn my back on the tour. It’s given me so much over the years – it’s given me everything that I have today.”
CT surfers can be fined for not turing up to events, however former world champions are absent from this clause. They are able to take a sabbatical leave as they please. Mick states, “I’ve been in a title race for the last four years in a row,” he said. “It takes a big toll on your mind and your body.” What better time than now for MF to take a step back reenergise and refocus. Kelly did it as did the late and great Andy Irons.
Mick on his way to a super heat win against John John Florence and Kelly Slater. WSL/Laurent Masurel
Mick is looking into surfing select few events to re-qualify for next year so that he doesn’t throw the injury wild cards into a spin and “further confuse where they need to throw those things. If I can re-qualify through a handful of events then it takes that burden off the WSL.”
One of Mick’s pet event, J-Bay will be on his list of select events this year. “I think the main thing will be that first surf,” he said. “I probably won’t be getting up at dark and getting out there before the sun gets up anymore.” We don’t blame you Mick!!
Can’t blame him after the heavy year he’s just had. Hopefully this means he’ll be ready to bounce back next year, but if not, then he’s had a hell of a career on tour.
He’ll apparently be touring with Rip Curl while events are on, filming and whatnot, which is even better in my opinion. I’d rather see him freesurfing than in contests!
Yep, if anyone deserves to choose a schedule at their leisure, it’s Mick Fanning. I’m with Riely on this… looking to seeing what he does while not competing.
Yup. Stand by for dope video parts!!
Owen Wright Withdraws From Opening Half Of 2016 WSL Season
Australian Cites Ongoing Head Trauma Recovery as Primary Reason
Possible Absence from the Entire 2016 Season as Wright Focuses on Health
February 27, 2016 - Rip Curl Head Office - Torquay, Australia: Australian Owen Wright has withdrawn from the opening half of the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour season, citing ongoing rehabilitation following his December head injury as the primary reason.
A WSL Title contender in the 2015 race, Wright suffered a serious concussion in the lead-up to the final event of the season, the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, at the world famous Banzai Pipeline.
A standout in the warm up sessions ahead of the event, Wright was mowed down by a sizable swell on the morning of December 10 with the impact causing a serious head trauma. Withdrawing from both the event and the title race, Wright remained under medical observation in Hawaii before traveling back to Australia to receive ongoing treatment.
“It’s disappointing to have to withdraw from the opening events of the year, but the important thing is to ensure that I am 100% healthy for when I return to that level of competition,” Wright said.
“I’ve been working regularly with top specialists in the country and they’ve given me a lengthy rehabilitation time before I’m able to feel normal again and a period of time after that before they’re confident I can perform at the elite level without additional risk.
“Head injuries are tricky in terms of mapping out recovery time and it’s possible that I may not be able to pull the jersey on all year. I want to thank my family, friends, fans, sponsors and the WSL for their ongoing support.”
A standout wildcard performer even before his elite tour debut, Wright’s CT rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The Australian has been a consistent fixture at the top of the rankings, posting major wins in New York and in Tahiti.
Unfortunately, today’s announcement is not the first injury that Wright has suffered as a back issue saw the goofy-footer sit out most of 2013. Having recovered in sensational fashion once already in his career, supporters are hopeful that he will do so once again.
“Very sad to see someone of Owen’s calibre suffer such serious injury,” Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner, said.
“The important thing is that he’s on the road to recovery and taking the appropriate time to ensure that he is 100% before returning to competition. While it’s unfortunate news for the sport and its fans, we’re fully supportive of Owen taking the time he needs and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
Wright’s WSL Top 34 position in the opening events of the season - Gold Coast, Bells Beach, Margaret River, Rio de Janeiro, Fiji and Jeffreys Bay - will be filled by first replacement Adam Melling (AUS).
The 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour will commence at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast from March 10 - 21, 2016.
TOP IMAGE: Owen Wright making the heavy barrels of Teahupoo, Tahiti look easy. Photo: Ted Grambeau
So Sad. Poor Owen has had bad luck with injury’s the last few years. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him go full tilt in the back half of the WCT season.
Get some.