Tyler Wright confident for Olympics despite WSL Brazil withdrawal

Two-time World Surf League champion Tyler Wright is feeling optimistic about her readiness to compete for Australia at the Olympics despite pulling out of the WSL event in Brazil.

Wright, who battled viral syndrome in 2018 and underwent a procedure involving seven screws in her head to improve breathing, had been set to participate in the WSL Rio Pro in June.

However, event organisers announced prior to the event that the ranked world No.10 would not be able to compete due to an injury.

A spokesperson representing Wright informed the press that she is currently undergoing treatment and is expected to be prepared for the Olympics in Paris in 2024.

The top Surfing bookmakers currently pricing Wright as a $13 underdog, with Tahiti’s local Vahine Fierro currently priced as the leading favourite at $4.

Surfing Australia has made contingency plans by putting athletes on standby should an injury replacement become necessary.

The International Surfing Associations policy allows for substitute representatives from nations if there is time for the switch.

Sally Fitzgibbons and Ryan Callinan have been selected to be backups, with flight arrangements ensuring their arrival 24 hours before the event window starts already organised incase of an injury.

Fitzgibbons, who is 33 years old, has been a finalist three times in the World Surf League and took part in the Tokyo Olympics, where she was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Japan’s Amuro Tsuzuki.

Callinan currently holds the #14 spot in the rankings after being defeated by South Africa’s Jordy Smith in the round of 16 heats in Brazil last month.

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