Australian teenage surfer Olivia Ottaway has revealed the horror of facing a life-or-death struggle after a small cut caused a serious infection that almost ended her career and her leg.
Last August, Olivia was surfing in Teahupo’o in French Polynesia, on hiatus to host the 2024 Olympic surfing events next month.
During his stay, he unknowingly cut the sharp coral reef, causing a bone infection. This seemingly minor injury quickly turned into a nightmare.
Upon returning to Australia, Olivia’s condition rapidly deteriorated. She collapsed during a shopping trip with her family, prompting her parents to rush her to the nearest hospital.
Promising young surfer Olivia Ottaway (pictured in Teahupo’o) suffered a minor injury that led to serious illness after surfing in French Polynesia.
The teenager never thought that a harmless cut could cause the serious medical condition that almost ended her leg and her life.
The photo shows Olivia beginning the process of learning to walk again using a frame while in the hospital.
olivia said news corporation“I was fine and then a couple of hours after returning home to Sydney I went swimming in the hotel pool and my skin felt really irritated.”
Doctors soon discovered that Olivia had a serious infection that caused her to experience severe pain and a high fever.
They feared he might develop septicemia, a life-threatening condition in which the infection spreads to the blood. The situation was so critical that at one point it was considered amputating his foot.
While in the hospital, Olivia endured excruciating pain and numerous treatments.
‘I had a lot of pain. I was out. Totally out,” she said.
His parents, Kristel and Luke Ottaway, were terrified.
“I said to the doctor, ‘How serious is this? What are we looking at?’ She said, ‘Well, I’m a little pessimistic, but this could be very, very, very bad.’ I mean, she could go (die),’ Kristel recalled.
Olivia shared a video on social media platform TikTok (pictured) showing her determination to fight back after doctors feared the worst.
The talented surfer shared that many people thought she would lose her leg and that her sporting dreams would be over.
However, even when suffering agonizing pain in the hospital, Ottaway showed incredible strength and determination to pull through.
Despite the severity of her condition, Olivia’s determination never wavered. Little by little, she began to recover, marking important milestones along the way.
His first big break came when he managed to sit in a wheelchair and go outside for the first time in weeks.
“That meant more to me, getting outside. Listening to the birds,’ she said.
Back home, Olivia continued her recovery with the support of her family and friends.
Messages from surf champions like Stephanie Gilmore provided a much-needed morale boost.
Gilmore said, “I know you’re going to get through this and we’ll see you back on the waves very soon.” I can’t wait to see you again in Tahiti, you’re an amazing surfer.’
Olivia has now recovered and has even returned to surfing, reassuring her followers that she is fine, with messages of support from stars such as Steph Gilmore (pictured) proving extremely helpful.
The young surfer sent this message to her friends, family and followers.
Olivia had to learn to walk again and was forced to use a moon boot and crutches, but she is expected to make a full recovery.
Olivia’s progress was remarkable. Just eight months after her hospitalization, she competed in a youth surfing event, the Barney Miller Surf Classic.
‘I went well. I am proud of myself. Being a semi-finalist is pretty good for me. “I didn’t know I was going to do so well in my first competition,” Olivia said.
Although she still faces challenges, such as a limp and reduced muscle strength, Olivia’s spirit remains intact.
His goal is to return to Teahupo’o and continue his surfing career.
Olivia’s journey is captured in an award-winning photograph by Ryan Pierse, now displayed in her hometown of Crescent Head. The image serves as a testament to her resilience and determination.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Olivia feels gratitude for the experience and believes it has made her stronger.
‘I feel like I’m happy that it all happened somehow. I guess I’m not happy, I still wish I was 100 percent, but that’s life,” she said.
