The 2023 SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro had no shortage of excitement and thrill. The surfers were hungry to prove themselves and earn a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. While the legendary athletes conquered the waves, the surfing fans cheered on from the shores. However, a somber mood has now settled over the surfing world as news spreads of a four-time world champion battling a devastating illness.

Mark Richardson is a familiar name in the surfing circle and has quite a legacy in the sport. The Aussie surfer has won four world championships and is beloved of all. However, a doping scandal in 2013 tarnished his reputation. Recently, he posted an update from the hospital bed with an urgent plea for help.

Surfing legend Mark Richardson’s plea

The Gold Coast shredder is famous for his resilience, which helped him overcome all odds during his surfing career. Now, he is in a fight against a terrible illness, but it hasn’t broken his spirit. However, his rare blood group has forced him to seek help from social media.

In an Instagram post from the hospital bed, Mark Richardson wrote, “Hey guys this is a bit of a serious post. I am in a Bali hospital and desperate need of some blood transfusions. I have lost a lot blood. My blood type is rare to find in indo and I am looking for anyone who is A negative or O negative to help me recover from this problem I have been facing. If anyone can help please reach out forever grateful Cheers Richo”.

The O-negative blood is scarce, and about seven percent of the world’s population has it.

Mark Richardson is still holding out hope that one of his followers will be able to procure this rare blood for him. O negative blood, in medical terms, is called the universal donor, which means that it can be given to patients of any blood type. This makes it crucial for individuals like Mark Richardson, who require a transfusion but have a difficult time finding a compatible donor. However, this is not the first time that the famous surfer has faced such an unsurmountable difficulty.

Mark Richardson’s doping scandal

Mark Richardson created a permanent position in the history books once again after winning the World Masters gold medal in 2011. However, just two years later, it got snatched away. Richardson tested positive for weed, which was a violation of the WSL’s anti-doping rules. He became the first surfer in the history of the sport to face public shaming due to drug use. While the world turned against him, the surfing fraternity stayed by his side and supported him throughout his ordeal.

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Kelly Slater, American surfing pro and 11-time World Surf League champion, bashed the association for the decision. He said, “They tested us at the first event and I never got tested again all year. Why talk about it and not do it? Why bother? Either do it of don’t do it”. Now, it remains to be seen how the surfing community rallies once more to save one of their own.

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