Olympic surfer recalls terrifying ordeal after almost drowning at Paris 2024

Australian surfing sensation Jack Robinson has opened up about his near-death experience while competing in the Olympics, where he made it to the quarter-finals despite treacherous conditions in French Polynesia.

The 26-year-old elite showcased his prowess by eliminating world No.1 John Florence in Tahiti, which is currently hosting the surfing events for this year's Paris Olympics.

A brewing storm led to monstrous waves, prompting officials to postpone the women's round three heat on Tuesday due to safety concerns. Robinson recounted his harrowing ordeal with multiple wipe-outs that necessitated a jet-ski rescue.

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"I got dragged over the bottom and almost had a two wave hold under," he said. "I didn't get much air. There wasn't much time. I got reminded of so many guys who have had so many bad wipe-outs here.

"I have had some pretty bad (wipe-outs) but in a contest it's different. You have way more adrenaline and there is way more on the line."

Robinson triumphed with a score of 13.94, outperforming Florence's 9.07, but he was quick to express his relief at emerging from his previous heat without injury, highlighting the perilous nature of the sea and likening the force of a wave to an avalanche.

"Every other sport is in a court or a stadium," he pointed out. "We are in an ocean. It is the biggest, most powerful source of life we have on this planet.

"'The waves are so powerful. It doesn't relate to any other sport. Maybe an avalanche coming down on your head on a mountain. Maybe it's similar to that. It's so dangerous and so crazy."

Robinson will now face fellow Aussie Ethan Ewing in the next round after his rival saw off Connor O'Leary in another bruising encounter. "I had some wipeouts but stoked it paid off," Ewing admitted. "I have so much water in my head right now. It feels good to be back on the land now."