Filipe Toledo announces temporary break from World Surfing Tour
Brazil faces a major setback for the remainder of the current World Surfing Tour season. Brazilian surfer Filipe Toledo, current two-time world champion, has announced a temporary break from the tour to focus on his mental health. The 28-year-old from Ubatuba, São Paulo, informed his decision in a statement released on Sunday night (Feb. 11), according to the World Surf League (WSL).
"I've always been very honest about some of my challenges, not only with the injuries but also with the mental health issue. Competing at the highest level for the last decade has had a negative impact on me and I now need a break to recover for the next chapter of my career," he said.
The Brazilian surfer also spoke about the support he received from the World League: "The WSL has been very supportive, and I'm very grateful that they gave me the wildcard [invitation] for the start of the 2025 season. I'm committed to coming back better than ever," said the Brazilian, who won the 2022 and 2023 titles.
Filipe Toledo is one of Brazil's confirmed representatives at the Paris Olympics surfing tournament. In addition to him, the country has already confirmed João Chianca, or Chumbinho, in the men's event, and Tatiana Weston-Webb, in the women's event.
With Toledo's departure, Moroccan Ramzi Boukhiam will have the opportunity to compete in the upcoming stages of the World Tour, becoming the first North African surfer to join the elite division of world surfing.
