Owen Wright withdraws from remainder of World Surf League season to continue recovery from head injury

OWEN Wright’s head injury will cost him at least a full year of competition after he confirmed his withdrawal from the second half of the WSL season.

Owen Wright will sit out the World Surf League season to recover from a head injury but will continue to support sister Tyler, who is among the leaders in the race for the women’s world title.

OWEN Wright’s rehabilitation from a head injury sustained in pounding surf in Hawaii will cost him at least a full year of competition after he confirmed he would withdraw from the second half of the World Surf League season.

Wright, who sustained a serious concussion at the famed Banzai Pipeline break last December in the lead-up to the final event of the season when he remained in contention for the world title, notified WSL officials earlier this year had withdrawn from the opening six events of the year to focus on his rehabilitation.

But he will now miss the full year, with WSL officials announcing overnight Wright had decided to withdraw from the final five events of the season to continue his recovery.

“It’s always difficult being away from the water for me,” Wright said.

“It’s also a major challenge to give myself time to heal because I want to be back in the singlet so badly.

“That said, I understand that I have more rehabilitation ahead of me until that’s possible. I’m feeling better every day and I want to thank everyone for the support so far.

“I miss my friends and family on tour and I’m looking forward to seeing them all again soon. Thanks again for the support.”

Wright suffered a severe concussion on December 10 last year after being pummelled by the sizeable swell and suffering a head trauma.

WSL commissioner Kieren Perrow said the league supported Wright’s decision.

“Owen is one of the most impressive athletes to ever grace our sport and the WSL fully supports him taking the time he needs to return to 100 per cent,” Perrow said.

Wright’s spot will be filled by Lennox Head product Stuart Kennedy for the remainder of the season.

The tour continues with the Billabong Pro Tahiti at the famed Teahupo’o break next month.