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Two-time world champion and No.2 ranked Australian Tyler Wright has revealed she was hospitalised for three days by menstrual issues before competing last week.
Wright was a surprise first-round casualty at the recent Surf Ranch Pro in California, surrendering the world No.1 ranking halfway through this year’s championship tour.
Tyler Wright celebrates her second-straight Bells Beach championship win earlier this year.Credit: Justin McManus
Wright, who overcame a debilitating bout of post-viral syndrome in 2018 after back-to-back titles, wrote on Twitter about her pre-competition issues last week, which resulted in her being “bedridden and unable to eat” leading into the event.
“Managing my period has been a journey,” Wright wrote.
“I’ve come along way from my teen years, not even knowing it wasn’t normal to suffer monthly excruciating pain that would lead to passing out, vomiting and hours on the toilet.
“These days my period management looks like a customised training program based around the 4 menstrual stages, listening and planning carefully for what my body needs – even if that means less time practicing in the water before comps, prioritising sleep and recovery leading up to my period and being aware this is the time I am at highest risk of injury.”
Wright also said she was “heavily reliant on painkillers while I menstruate” and had been recommended a surgical solution to the ongoing issues.
“The surgery isn’t a guaranteed solution and I would have to take time off from competing as well as rebuilding,” she said.
Wright’s post received widespread support from fans and members of the pro surfing community, including recent world No.5 and Costa Rican Olympian Brisa Hennessy.
Hennessy recently detailed her own health battles while starting out on tour in an interview with this masthead, in which she battled through eating disorders and body dysmorphia, conditions which also impacted her own menstrual cycle at the time.
“Thank you for speaking about something that needs to be more transparent and normalised,” Hennessy commented on Wright’s post.
The WSL’s next tour stop is the El Salvador Pro, where the nine-day competition window begins on Saturday (AEST).
Wright goes into the event as Australia’s top-ranked female competitor ahead of 20-year-old upstart Molly Picklum (ranked as No.3) and defending eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore (No.7).
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