(Reuters) -Brazil's Gabriel Medina and Hawaiian John John Florence will rekindle surfing's biggest rivalry next year, with confirmation that the former champions will be returning to the 2026 world tour after a year off.

Medina, 31, missed this year's tour with a pectoral injury, while the 33-year-old Florence opted to take time off after winning the 2024 championship.Both have been granted season wildcards by the World Surf League.