Felipe Toledo leaves the World Surf Tour to take care of his mental health | wsl

Surfer Felipe Toledo announced on social networks that he will no longer compete on the World Tour in 2024. The athlete claims that he needs to take a break from his career to take care of his mental health. The athlete returns to the WSL in 2025 as a wildcard. The surfer also reassured fans by saying he is focused on the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be held in July.

According to Felipe's post, the decision was made with people close to us during the pipeline phase. Felipe did not compete in the repechage and was eliminated from the more traditional competition in Hawaii. The surfer claimed that the past few years of competing at a higher level on the circuit had had a “negative effect” on him.

– In the past, I have always been honest about the challenges I face, not only in terms of injuries but also in terms of mental health. “I need a break to recover for the next step in my career,” the surfer wrote.

– I think there are a lot of things involved, family, friends, fans, sponsors… I put a lot of pressure on myself, I passed the point of being healthy, and this weakened me inside, I became sad – said Felipe. In an interview with Conversa ComeBial in 2022.

The WSL also commented on Felipe's withdrawal and supported the surfer. The circuit organization has ensured that the athlete has already secured his place in the 2025 elite via a “wildcard”.

– We support Felipe's decision to prioritize his mental and physical health as he takes a step back. We hope this gives him the space he needs to recover and we hope to see him back among the best in 2025,” WSL Head of Sport Jesse Miley-Dyer said.

Felipe is the current two-time World Tour Champion. With the departure of the Brazilian, Moroccan Ramzi Boukhiam is guaranteed to participate in all events until the middle of the season.

The world circuit gave me everything. A dream that allowed me to provide for my family in ways I never imagined and have amazing experiences. I love that. I live for it. I have great respect for all my colleagues in the department, men and women. You are gorgeous! – Philip wrote.

Toledo wished his ringmates a good year of competitions and stated that he hoped Brazilian favoritism would continue in the WSL. On social media, surfers such as Joao Chompinho and Maya Gabeira supported Felipe's decision.