Champion Aussie Surfer, Once Snubbed for Failed Drug Test, Hospitalized in Bali
Aussie surf legend Mark Richardson is in trouble.
The four-time Australian Surfing Championships winner, and one-time coach to big-name competitors like Joel Parkinson and Courtney Conlogue, has been hospitalized in Bali and he’s reaching out for help, particularly when it comes to blood donations.
Here’s Richo’s call, via social media:
“Hey guys this is a bit of a serious post,” he wrote, accompanied by a photo of him in a hospital bed. “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 nature of Richo’s illness is unclear; but judging by his call for help, it sounds pretty serious. And in the comments, it looks like folks are rallying.
Back in 2013, Richardson was making (surf world) headlines for a controversial decision from the International Surfing Association (ISA) to strip the Aussie surfer of his 2011 World Masters Championship gold medal after testing positive for marijuana.
At the time, Richardson told the Gold Coast Bulletin:
“It's such a shock that this has surfaced now after all this time. It has been an emotional roller-coaster. This happened two years ago and was finalized nine months ago. I am at breaking point with this whole thing.
“I know I have done something wrong. But I don't feel that I've done anything wrong because it was not performance-enhancing. I got no benefit from it. I feel like I'm being persecuted for nothing.”
As for now, that “doping” scandal is likely far in the rearview of Richo’s mind; right now, he’s hoping to recover from whatever illness is ailing him in that Bali hospital.
Here’s to a speedy recovery for the Aussie surf champ.
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