South African surfer Jordy Smith has withdrawn from the team set to represent SA at the Tokyo Olympics after suffering a serious knee injury five weeks ago.
The 31-year-old is one of two surfers selected for Team SA at the Olympics, along with Bianca Buitendag, who is now the country’s only competitor in surfing.
As reported by Team SA, Smith was ranked as high as No7 on the international 2021 Men’s Championship Tour and his spot in Tokyo will now go to the next highest available person in the rankings.
Smith’s withdrawal also means Isaac February will not be able to travel to Japan as an official and that Buitendag will be accompanied by head coach Greg Emslie.
Following the news, Smith’s wife posted a picture of him on Instagram with the caption” Not even surgery will get you out of daddy duties.”
Meanwhile, the surfing competition will take place over four days between July 25 and August 1, subject to conditions at Shidashita Beach.
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Picture: Team SA