Tyler Wright, an acclaimed Australian surfer, is making waves as she gears up for her debut at the Olympics. A two-time world champion, Wright is determined to secure gold, though her journey will take her far from Paris to the picturesque waters of Tahiti, where the surfing events are set to unfold. Despite the distance, her spirit remains unyielded, highlighting her fight against the pervasive “sausage-fest” culture that has long dominated the sport.
Reflecting on her experiences, Wright has candidly discussed the hurdles she faced as a young female surfer. “As a young girl becoming a woman in surfing, 12 years ago, it was an era of ‘sex sells,'” she recalls. “Sexy, straight, blonde, female” surfers were the norm, and Wright felt she did not fit this mold. “I’m built like an athlete, I’m not straight, I don’t have blonde hair,” she states. Wright emphasizes the disparity between male and female surfers, where men could thrive as athletes and get paid for it, whereas many women struggled to receive the same opportunities. Her success is a testament to the belief that investing in women leads to excellence.
Wright’s personal life has also garnered attention, particularly her relationship with her wife, Lili Baker. The two met in 2021 when Baker was working at a café in Newcastle, New South Wales, during one of Wright’s competitions. Wright speaks fondly of Baker, describing their bond as one marked by “ease and openness,” underpinned by “love, respect, and appreciation.” This supportive relationship has undoubtedly been a pillar of strength for Wright.
Beyond her struggles with societal norms, Wright has also battled chronic fatigue syndrome, which sidelined her for 14 months after back-to-back world titles in 2016 and 2017. She feared for her life during this period, believing she might not survive. Wright also faced a severe respiratory issue due to narrow airways, making breathing during competitions a significant challenge. A “life-changing” procedure, involving the insertion of seven screws in her head, improved her breathing and allowed her to continue competing at the highest level. Despite these adversities, Wright’s resilience and determination remain unshaken.
As Wright heads to the Olympics, her journey from overcoming chronic illness to breaking gender norms in surfing serves as an inspiring narrative. Her story is one of perseverance, highlighting the importance of supporting and investing in women in sports. With the support of her loved ones and her unyielding spirit, Tyler Wright stands poised to make a significant impact at the Tahiti waves, continuing to break barriers and redefine success in surfing.