Thiago Diz, the photographer who collided with Filipe Toledo in the Abu Dhabi pool, publicly apologized for what happened: “My sincere apologies to Filipe Toledo, his team, the institution of the WSL and the community and all those who love surfing,” he wrote on his Instagram.

And he added: “Despite all the indications, I made a bad decision.”

“I am grateful for all the support that came from within the WSL, athletes, coaches, friends and people I don’t know but who took the time to send a positive message. Work on what you love and with people you admire and you will be surrounded by people who love you. And now, back to eternalizing surfing, the best sport there is,” he concluded.

Diz was in Filipe's path as he finished his second forehand in the Round of 16 against Kanoa Igarashi. After making an alley oop, the Brazilian went for a cutback that he couldn't complete because his fins hit Diz's housing.

Toledo reacted badly at first but then hugged Diz and made peace, saying publicly that everything was fine.