Brazilian surfer Filipe Toledo, who won the World Surf League championship in 2022 and 2023, has announced that he will be taking a one-year break from competition to focus on his mental well-being. Following the lead of fellow renowned surfers Stephanie Gilmore from Australia and Carissa Moore from Hawaii, Toledo has decided to step away from the sport for a while.
Toledo initially participated in the opening contest in Hawaii but withdrew from the Pipe Pro competition after experiencing food poisoning during the first heat. Some critics speculated that his departure was due to his aversion to large, powerful waves, as he is known for his aerial specialization.
Given that the second stop of the championship was at Sunset Beach, known for challenging wave conditions, Toledo expressed his need for a break. As the first Brazilian surfer to achieve consecutive world titles and having won a total of 17 championship titles since his debut in 2013 at the age of 17, he acknowledged the toll that competing at such an elite level has taken on his well-being.
“In the past, I have openly shared my struggles, not only with physical injuries but also with mental health,” Toledo stated in a press release. “After a decade of competing at the highest level, I believe it’s time for me to take a pause and recharge before embarking on the next chapter of my career. I have an immense passion for the sport, but I need this time off to fully recover and return even stronger.”
While Toledo plans to sit out the upcoming competitions, he has been granted a wildcard to participate in the 2025 season of the World Surf League. He has also secured a spot in the Brazilian team for the Paris Olympics, although his intentions to compete remain undisclosed.
Toledo’s departure from the Championship Tour has made way for Morocco’s Ramzi Boukhiam to join the field after his surprising victory over Australia’s defending champion, Jack Robinson, at the Pipe Pro.
Toledo’s decision to prioritize his mental health serves as a reminder that athletes, despite their extraordinary talents and achievements, also face internal battles that require attention and care. It highlights the importance of taking breaks and seeking support to ensure long-term well-being and success in their respective sports.
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