João Chianca, ChumbinhoThiago Diz/World Surf League
Published 04/27/2024 22:05
Rio – After suffering a serious accident in December, João Chianca returned to competing this Saturday (27), in the Challenger Series in Gold Coast, Australia. Chumbinho, as he is known for being the younger brother of surfer Lucas Chumbo, came second in his heat and advanced to the next stage.
In the first heat of the day, João Chianca achieved a total of 9.90, behind the American Levi Slawson (10.44 in total). Chumbinho managed a wave rating 5.17 and then another 4.73. With second place, he advanced to the second phase of the competition.
Last year, Chumbinho was number 4 in the world and was among the five finalists of the World Circuit, thus guaranteeing his place for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, in December he suffered a serious accident that prevented him from competing that year and harmed preparing for the Olympics.
Chumbinho had an accident during a training session at Pipeline, in Hawaii. He fell from a wave, was submerged for three minutes and was rescued unconscious. In recent months, he has undergone numerous physiotherapy sessions mainly to regain strength on the left side of his body.
In a recent interview, João Chianca revealed that he has no memories of the accident. He suffered a blow to the head, which affected the left side of his body. Thus, the Brazilian surfer was unable to compete in the World Tour, but received an invitation from the WSL to participate in the elite in 2025.
Despite the guaranteed place in the elite of the World Tour in 2025, João Chianca will compete in the Challenger Series, which is an access division, aiming to regain his rhythm for the Paris Olympic Games. He will represent Brazil alongside two-time world champion Filipe Toledo and three-times champion Gabriel Medina.
