Foot injury provides Fitzgibbons with a helping hand
Enjoying the best start to a world tour in recent years with a third, first and fifth, Fitzgibbons is in a position to actually take the world rankings lead if she wins the Oi Rio Pro which starts this week.
And with two victories at the event in 2012 and 2014, along with two runner-up finishes, the contest has always provided Fitzgibbons with a happy hunting ground.
Fitzgibbons goes into the Oi Rio Pro ranked No.2 in the world behind six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore, with reigning titleholder, fellow Aussie Tyler Wright, in third.
‘’What happened at Bells with my foot and back, it was a great test of character,’’ said Fitzgibbons, who needed stitches after slicing her foot open on her surfboards fin with the injury later triggering back spasms.
“It showed me I am really solid in my mind.’’
Fitzgibbons says she is as hungry as ever to win a maiden world crown in her ninth season of trying.
“I feel like I have the tools this year, and the awareness,’’ she said.
Fitzgibbons says there are no repercussions from her foot injury at Bells Beach.
The Brazilian event also provided Wright, the defending champion at Oi Rio Pro, the chance to claim her first event of the year.