In 2015, Aussie surfing legend Owen Wright was on the brink of a world title only to have his hopes dashed when he suffered a serious brain injury ahead of the final for the Pipeline Masters competition in Hawaii. In a single moment, he went from being ranked fifth in the world in surfing to having to learn how to walk and talk again. However, in 2017, Owen returned to form, immediately claiming victory at the opening event of the Champions Tour, part of a winning streak that has seen him most recently awarded the bronze medal for surfing at the Tokyo Olympics. His sister, Tyler Wright, is also a world champion surfer. Owen lives with his wife Kita Alexander and their children at Lennox Head, on the northern coast of New South Wales.
‘In the middle of the lockdowns, Owen came to stay with us. He had the North American leg of surf tour season and the Olympics right around the corner. Owen’s work ethic was apparent right from the get-go. All the gyms were closed, so Ow went to Walmart and brought home a $50 stationary bike. It was so small and so cheap but, let me tell you, that little bike could go. He would crush ten miles every day, never missing a beat. The mental capacity it took to do that many miles on that small of a bike . . . That’s a true fighter’s spirit! He never once got distracted or made an excuse in a time when everybody was, including myself. So obviously, when he took the bronze at the Olympics, I wasn’t surprised. I took that little Walmart bike and powder coated it bronze. She still sits in my front yard today, like a beautiful little lawn ornament. In memory of Ow and the Olympic dream.’ -- <B>Luke Rockhold, UFC middleweight champion, two-time jiu-jitsu world champion, three-time strikeforce middleweight champion</B> ‘Owen Wright has to be the most inspiring person I’ve ever met. I’m not only saying this with bias as his wife, but because I have never seen anyone with as much resilience, determination and natural talent as him. His story is one of a childhood prodigy, to facing a near-death experience, to Australian hero . . . This book will inspire and motivate anyone who has had to face adversity whilst following their dreams.’ -- <B>Kita Alexander, singer-songwriter</B> ‘Owen is one of those guys that I believe operates on one speed. It’s the “let’s fucking go” speed. Sunday BBQ? Let’s fucking go. Fifteen-foot barrels onto dry reef? Let’s fucking go. Whatever it is that Owen is getting himself into, he seems to do it with little to no fear and a massive smile on his face. His infectious humour and laughter is something you’ll never get tired of. He’s an inspirational guy, to put it lightly. Owen is one special human!’ -- <B>Liam Hemsworth, actor</B> ‘Owen was a childhood phenom who grew into the ultimate family man. In between this transition, he took on the world, charged crazy waves, suffered a huge brain injury, and finished off with the all-time sporting comeback! Surrounded by family and friends, his life has been the ultimate roller coaster.’ -- <b>Mick Fanning, three-time world champion surfer</b>