Tyler Wright Pulls Out Of Second Consecutive CT Event, Citing Virus She Contracted In South Africa

Tyler Wright is a beast. 

She has an unfaltering competitive instinct, a preternatural knack for the tube, and a frontside hanger that has (probably) sent many a male CTer into tears of emasculation. 

Hence the fact that Tyler is surfing’s 2x reigning World Champ. 

And hence our surprise that she’s now pulled out of her second consecutive CT event, after contracting a debilitating virus in Africa. 

From her Instagram: 

From @tylerwright: Never thought the flu would stop me from competing….turns out I was very wrong. Influenza A is quite the catch, it wouldn’t leave me alone. Been out of it for a while now but had my first good day in about two weeks, still can’t do much and I’m about 8kg lighter. Massive thank you to Alex, for not letting me die, never listening to me when I said I was fine and sticking around even though you could of caught it too. Also thank you to @jessmileydyer and @wsl medical staff, happy to be home and trying to fatten up. Congrats @stephaniegilmore and @lakeypeterson

From @tylerwright: Unfortunately I will be withdrawing from Vans US Open of Surfing. I’m still recovering from Influenza A. Mum and Alex have been acting as full time nurses, they’ve discovered I’m a shit patient. I’m home with the doggos getting better, but still a long way from full strength. Thanks to everyone for the continued support.

After her early exodus from South Africa and Steph and Lakey’s subsequent rankings leap, Tyler became a long shot to defend her twin Titles. Now that she’s pulling out of the US Open, Tyler can kiss any hope of a three-peat goodbye. 

But most importantly, we hope that Tyler becomes well again soon. While seemingly innocuous, Influenza A has a host of serious symptoms that can become fatal if left untreated. But Tyler has been under the care of expert physicians and her lovely mother, meaning it’s just a matter of time before the Champ’s back to 100% 

Which is a damn good thing, because who else is gonna send Hermes, February, and Igarashi into a soggy-eyed fit?