World Tour vet and legend of human Owen Wright just announced his retirement from all competition following the 2023 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach where he’ll be vying to ring the bell as a wildcard. Click play below to hear from O-dog himself, about the medical reason for his decision:
“Given my recent history with head injuries and concussions, competing at some of the heaviest waves on the planet is no longer in the best interest of my long-term health,” says Wright in his announcement video above. “I excelled in these conditions over my career, but the risks associated with this type of surfing are too significant for someone in my position, given my medical history.”
Back in 2015, Wright sustained a head injury at Pipe that required a long road to recovery back to where he is now.
“After my traumatic brain injury in 2015, my desire to prove to myself and the world that I could still be great and overcome this life-threatening incident inspired my recovery,” says Wright. “Now eight years later, after challenges and accomplishments, I can look back happily, knowing I achieved that goal. Today, I am sharing the news that I will retire from competing at the highest level of surfing. My last event will be at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, where I look forward to celebrating my career and thanking my fans, friends, and family for all their support over the years.
“I will not retire from surfing altogether – just from surfing heavy waves. I hope to keep surfing for the rest of my life; I love surfing and thank the sport for everything I have.
“I hope that in this new chapter of my life, I can help be a voice for brain health and an advocate for athletes across all sports who have suffered TBIs and concussions throughout their careers.
“The WSL and Rip Curl have offered me the wildcard at this year’s Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. My family, medical team, and I agreed that this would be the perfect location for me to compete for the last time before hanging up the rashie. Competing in front of my friends, family, and fans for the last time at Bells will be amazing, and I’d like to thank my long- term sponsors Rip Curl, Allianz, Dometic, Ocean & Earth and the World Surf League for the opportunity and for all of the support they have given me throughout my career.”
Having been a mainstay on Tour for over 10 years and making many highlight reels, Wright will surely be missed. Stay tuned for more and be sure to tune into Wright’s last competitive go when Bell’s kicks off on April 4th.
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