Teen Aussie surf champion collapses in screaming agony during shopping trip – kicking off life-or-death battle that almost saw her foot amputated

Australian teen surfer Olivia Ottaway has revealed the horror of a life-and-death struggle after a small cut led to a serious infection that almost claimed her career and her leg.

Last August, Olivia was surfing in Teahupo’o in French Polynesia, on break to host the 2024 Olympic surfing events next month.

During her stay, she unknowingly scratched the sharp coral reef, resulting in a bone infection. This seemingly minor injury quickly escalated 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.

The teen never imagined that an innocent cut could lead to the serious medical condition that almost cost her leg and her life

Olivia is depicted learning to walk again in the hospital with the help of a frame

Olivia told News Corp‘I was doing well and a few hours after I got home to Sydney I went for a swim in the hotel pool and my skin just felt so irritated.’

Doctors soon discovered that Olivia had a serious infection, causing severe pain and a high fever.

They feared she might develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition in which the infection spreads to the blood. The situation was so critical that at one point it was considered to amputate her foot.

While in the hospital, Olivia endured excruciating pain and countless treatments.

‘I was in so much pain. I was out. Completely gone,” she said.

Her parents Kristel and Luke Ottaway were terrified.

‘I said to the doctor, “How bad is this? What are we looking at?” She said, “Well, I’m a bit of a pessimist, but this could be really, really, really bad.” As in, she could go [die]’, Kristel remembers.

Olivia shared a video on social media platform TikTok (pictured) showing her determination to fight back after doctors feared the worst

The talented surfer said many people thought she would lose her leg and her sporting dreams would be over

But even as she battled agonizing pain in the hospital, Ottaway showed incredible strength and determination to get through it

Despite the severity of her condition, Olivia’s resolve never wavered. She slowly began to recover, marking important milestones along the way.

Her first big break came when she managed to get into a wheelchair and go outside for the first time in weeks.

“That meant the most to me, to get out there. Listening to the birds,” she said.

At home, Olivia continued her recovery with the support of her family and friends.

Messages from surfing champions like Stephanie Gilmore provided a much-needed morale boost.

Gilmore said, “I know you’ll get through this and we’ll see you back in the surf very soon. I can’t wait to see you again in Tahiti, you’re a great surfer.’

Olivia has now recovered and has even taken up surfing again, assuring supporters that she is doing well – with messages of support from stars like Steph Gilmore (pictured) proving to be a big help

The young surfer sent this message to her friends, family and supporters

Olivia had to learn to walk again and was forced to use a moon boot and crutches, but is expected to make a full recovery

Olivia’s progress has been remarkable. Just eight months after her hospitalization, she competed in a junior surfing event, the Barney Miller Surf Classic.

‘I was doing well. I am proud of myself. Semi-finalist is pretty good for me. I didn’t know I would do so well in my first competition,” Olivia said.

Although she still faces challenges such as limping and decreased muscle strength, Olivia’s spirit remains unbroken.

Her goal is to return to Teahupo’o and continue her surfing career.

Olivia’s journey was captured in an award-winning photograph by Ryan Pierse, which is now on display in her hometown of Crescent Head. The image is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Looking back on her ordeal, Olivia feels a sense of gratitude for the experience, believing that it made her stronger.

“I feel like I’m glad it all happened in a way. Not happy I guess, I still wish I was 100 percent, but that’s life,” she said.