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What does surfing need to do about concussions?

In 2014, elite big-wave surfer Mercedes Maidana suffered a head injury at a competition in the United States.

Initially diagnosed with a mild concussion, Maidana's condition deteriorated so much that she suffered with severe exhaustion and depression, losing her career, sponsorship, house and even her relationship with her husband.

Five years on from her accident, she now wants to raise awareness of concussion in a sport.

Speaking to Sportshour presenter Caroline Barker, Maidana reveals she only started to recover from the effects of her concussion after talking to fellow elite big-wave surfer Shawn Dollar, who had also suffered the same injury.

Photo credit: Mercedes Maidana riding a wave (Mercedes Maidana)

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Duration:

4 minutes