Surfing-Australian Jack Robinson injured during practice session

TEAHUPO'O, Tahiti : Australian surfer Jack Robinson cut his foot during a practice session at the Olympic surfing venue of Teahupo'o in Tahiti requiring five stitches, but team officials said he would be fine to compete when the Games start on Saturday.

Robinson, one of the favourites to take the gold medal at the deadly reef break, sliced his foot near the ankle on one of his surfboard fins when he came off a wave, an official said.

"Jack had five stitches yesterday (Wednesday) and will be fine to surf. He is really excited about the first heats coming up," Kate Wilcomes, Surfing Australia National High Performance Director, said in a statement on Thursday.

"He came off a wave during training on Wednesday and a fin cut him near his ankle. Team Australia’s Chief Medical Officer looked after him, cleaned up the wound and he’s ready to compete."

Social media video showed Robinson driving a wave ski back to shore from the surf break with his right foot bandaged.