Tokyo Olympics: Blow to SA’s medal hopes as Jordy Smith pulls out

Leading South African surfer Jordy Smith has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics due to injury.

READ | KEVIN DURANT HEADLINES USA’S DREAM TEAM IN QUEST FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS GOLD

The 33-year-old was considered a candidate to win a medal in Tokyo, but informed Surfing South Africa that he was being forced to withdraw, having suffered a serious knee injury in training five weeks ago.

Jordy Smith, one of two surfers selected for Team SA for the Olympics, along with Bianca Buitendag, has not fully recovered following surgery on his left knee and extensive barometric recuperation and physiotherapy in Cape Town.

READ | CASTER SEMENYA RUNS OUT OF TIME TO QUALIFY FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS

According to Surfing SA, his spot in the Olympics will be offered to the next highest available person in the rankings, which happens to be an Italian in this case.

Smith himself was ranked as high as No 7 on the international 2021 Men’s Championship Tour.

READ | SA’S LONG JUMPER LUVO MANYONGA BANNED FOR 4 YEARS

Smith’s withdrawal means that Isaac February will not be able to travel to Japan as an official and that Buitendag will be accompanied by head coach Greg Emslie.

The surfing competition will take place over four days between 25 July and 1 August, subject to wave conditions at Shidashita Beach.