Issued on: 04/22/2022 – 22:32Modified: 04/22/2022 – 22:30
São Paulo (AFP) – Brazilian surfing champion Gabriel Medina has announced his return to competition after a hiatus for mental health reasons.
The three-time world champion told Brazilian television program Esporte Espectacular that he was “better” and would resume competition next month, according to excerpts from an interview published on Friday.
“I learned a lot during the time that I was away from the competition and I feel like I am 100 percent. That is why I am announcing my return,” said the 28-year-old.
In January, Medina announced she was taking a break, joining gymnast Simone Biles and tennis player Naomi Osaka in a list of sports stars who have said they are struggling with psychological stress.
“The last few months have been a difficult time for me personally and it has taken a toll on me,” he said at the time.
He was also recovering from a hip injury.
Although Medina won his third world title last year, he failed to make it onto the podium in surfing’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.
He had also split from Brazilian model and actress Yasmin Brunet.
“I return to my athlete routine, getting up early, eating well,” he told Esporte Espetacular.
“Everything is back to normal.”
The winner of the 2014, 2018 and 2021 world championships is expected to return to the waves at the sixth round of the World Surf League to be held in Indonesia from May 28 to June 6.
“I’m excited, missing competing, traveling…” said the Brazilian.
© 2022 AFP
