One-time title contender enters first pro event since brain injury at Pipe!
Oh the fragility of life. One minute you’re on the cusp of greatness, every moment a pleasant surprise, every encounter fabulous, the next you’re in a hospital unable to speak or remember a damn thing.
The story of one-time world title contender Owen Wright goes something like this: Owen was surfing Pipe in the lead up to the tour’s final contest, wiped out, came in rattled, walked back to the Rip Curl house, went to sleep, woke up disoriented and was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with concussion and bleeding on the brain. Matt Wilko was there and says O couldn’t even speak, that his “body was out of fuel. It was scary.”
Owen’s barely surfed since.
As his pal Luke Munro told the Gold Coast Bulletin,
“I’m just glued to his Instagram to see the little steps he’s been making,” Munro said. “I just don’t think anyone knew how bad Owen’s injury was at the time … everyone thought ‘He’s hit his head, he’ll be right’ but then the extent of the injuries became clear. He wasn’t able to talk. He couldn’t remember anything from the day before … he’s a guy we all thought was indestructible…”
In the interim, Owen, who is twenty seven, has fathered a daughter with his girlfriend, the musician, Kita Alexander, and according the Newcastle Herald, has fielded an entry for the WQS 6000 Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota Pro at Merewether Beach, February 20th through 26.
He’s in, entry-wise. But is he going to show?
O’s coach Glen Hall says, maybe.
Owen, who won Surfest in 2008, “wanted to be there, but he’s not quite ready yet,” Hall told the Newcastle Herald. “He’s slowly making his progress towards a comeback, but the timeframe is still unknown for everyone, even himself. He’s just taking it easy and easing his way into it. He’s surfing and training and he’s really happy, which is a good thing. He’s past the real serious side of the brain injury and he’s in a position where he can slowly get his back into the groove.”
If O makes it, he’ll join sister Tyler, the women’s world champ, and his lil bro Mikey.
maybe the only pro surfer i follow on instagram..
I recently viewed “Mute” and “Lost Atlas” over the weekend. I genuinely forgot how well rounded of a surfer Owen is. His perfect 10’s had overshadowed the rest of his talents in my mind. After reading this I’m happy to hear he’s coming back to fuck shit up. Anti-Depressive Surf Candy Works!
Owen @ Cloudbreak a few years ago was the most fun I’ve ever had watching a surf contest.
Finally! I really needed a good news story.
This man is anti depressive. Derek track the guy down and have a chat with him? I don’t care if he competes ever again I just like his take on life.
I’ll second that.
I’ll 3rd it
Miss this man on tour, he charged hard and seemed very like able. Sad what happened and hope he gets back his abilities 100%!