Every sport in the world has that one athlete who seems less like a sportsman and more like a superhero straight out of a sci-fi film. In surfing, that star is Kelly Slater. One of those very superheroes we're talking about, who's managed to become world champion 11 times in his career and still shows no signs of slowing down...

Kelly Slater gets the title!! ASP World


At 39 years old with an incredible haul of titles, Kelly Slater has dominated once again after being crowned world champion. All lovers of water sports will be delighted by this achievement, especially surfing enthusiasts, who will undoubtedly admire this surfer with mind-blowing potential who's making history in the world of surfing.

Why do we say he's making history? He's the only person to have won an 11th ASP World title after facing a year-long championship. Ocean Beach, San Francisco/California was the final stage of the championship, where Slater conquered 1.5-metre waves and defended his position against 28-year-old Australian rival Dan Ross. In Kelly Slater's own words:

"I've had loads of heats with Rossy (Dan Ross) this year. The swell was properly powerful, so I knew it would be dangerous and I wasn't in the best position..."


World champion for the 11th time


But ultimately he managed to catch the waves and, with them, the title. He mentioned that just a couple days prior he hadn't felt comfortable on the board, but in the end he succeeded in closing out an intensely competitive year and winning the championship on American soil - something that filled him with pride. In the emotion of victory, he also took a moment to remember his rival and friend Andy Irons, who tragically passed away last year:

"It's been a special moment. Someone's watching over us, and it's probably Andy"

Achieving this title on the anniversary of Irons' death perhaps made it even more special, as although they were fierce rivals in their day (with Irons winning, among other things, no less than three consecutive ASP World championships), they had become close friends in recent years.

"Winning this title on the anniversary of Andy's passing makes it so much more special for me. It's a way to celebrate my memories with him."

Slater won his first world title at just 20 years old back in 1992, becoming the youngest surfer worldwide to hold this trophy. Ironically, not only was he the youngest person to ever win the ASP world title at the time, but he now also holds the record as the oldest ASP world champion.

Kelly Slater, world surfing champion


He'll continue fighting and giving his all in upcoming championships, as he claims to be in his prime and won't be retiring anytime soon.

If you'd like to see the 2011 ASP World results and the years Kelly Slater won this title, you can check the Valencian Community surfing blog by clicking here.