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Nothing better than getting waves with friends. Free hugs for @eli_olson this morning
For some time, John John Florence has hinted at a triumphant return to competition on his home turf. Recall that back in June, Florence withdrew from the Oi Rio Pro after aggravating a knee injury that sidelined him the year before, and has since undergone surgery and a months-long recovery.
Even though Florence has said he’d want to compete – especially if it meant holding onto the second of two slots for the U.S. Olympic squad – friends, family, and especially fans have raised concerns: “Will he be healthy in time?”
Little video evidence has surfaced of Florence this North Shore season despite a few major Pipeline swells. That is, until the two-time world champ himself posted an impressive clip on Wednesday of he and Eli Olson sharing back-to-back tubes close to home.
Florence is sporting a knee brace on his right knee, but besides his bionic appearance, his approach on an airdrop-to-quick-tube looks quintessential John John with nary a hitch.
“Nothing better than getting waves with friends,” he writes. “Free hugs for @eli_olson this morning.”
Now, a one wave clip is difficult to use for a prognosis, but that Florence would post the clip seems to be hinting that yes, indeed he’ll be healthy.
Here’s the Rocky-style training montage to prove it: