Australian surfer Jack Robinson faced near-drowning during his Olympic heat at the treacherous Teahupo’o break in Tahiti, where stormy conditions forced the women's heats to be abandoned. In a dramatic moment, both Robinson and his opponent, world No. 1 John John Florence, were thrown off their boards and required rescue from jetskis after being held underwater by powerful waves. Robinson managed to recover and ultimately won the heat against Florence with a score of 13.94 to 9.07. He described the experience as a test of physicality and spirit, emphasizing the extreme danger of surfing in such conditions. Robinson highlighted the unique peril of surfing compared to other sports, equating it to facing an avalanche. Fellow competitor Gabriel Medina also remarked on the dangers of surfing at Teahupo’o, calling it one of the most perilous events in Olympic history.