How do you solve a problem like Filipe?

It’s a question that’s been puzzling the greatest minds in surfing ever since he effortlessly brushed aside the competition at Snapper twelve months ago, but while nobody is any closer to arriving at an answer, the problem seems to have solved itself for the time being.

The spring-loaded phenomenon has officially withdrawn from the Rip Curl Pro at Bells and the Margaret River Pro, after pulling a groin muscle yesterday in the semi-finals of the Quik Pro Gold Coast. Toledo had been widely expected to claim his second successive victory at the event, but fell awkwardly attempting an air-reverse in the early stages of his heat against eventual event winner Matt Wilkinson. He fought valiantly through the pain and even came close to winning the heat, but the injury was evidently hindering his performance, and he had to be helped up the beach at the heat’s end — though not before warmly congratulating his opponent.

“Groins can be a heavy blow,” the WSL’s copywriter, who is possibly also Brazilian, explains helpfully. “They’re extremely painful, and take time to heal. Coming back too soon is risky as well. So to avoid temptation Toledo is heading home where he can do recover under the supervision of his physical therapist. His goal, as of now, is to be ready for Rio.”

Toledo’s absence from the next two events means the impressive Sebastian Zietz will once again compete as an injury replacement.