At 39 years old with an extraordinary track record, American Kelly Slater has once again been crowned world surfing champion. A title that will undoubtedly delight all water sports enthusiasts, and even more so surfing fans who mostly revere this surfer with limitless potential. For many years, he's been "writing" surfing history with every appearance.
Writing surfing history, just like that? Indeed, Kelly Slater is the only surfer to have won 11 ASP World Titles. Each title is earned after a year-long fierce competition among the world's best surfers across the globe.
Ocean Beach, San Francisco (California) marked the finale of this 2011 championship, and Slater once again shone, riding 1.5-metre waves, managing to outperform his main rival, 28-year-old Australian Dan Ross.
According to Kelly Slater: "Rossy (Dan Ross) has been a fierce competitor this year, plus there weren't many waves today and I was relatively poorly positioned - the danger was real and I knew it wasn't going to be easy..."
But ultimately, Slater managed to deliver an excellent performance that earned him the highest title, just days after admitting he hadn't been feeling very comfortable on his board. Moreover, winning this final stage "at home" brought him tremendous joy.
Beyond properly commemorating this victory, Slater also took the opportunity to pay tribute to his rival and friend Andy Irons, who tragically passed away last year:
"It was a special moment. I believe someone's been watching over us all year, and probably that someone was Andy."
Furthermore, claiming this title on the anniversary of Irons' death made the event even more special in a way, because although he was a serious rival to Slater for many years, he remained a dear friend and constant companion.
"Winning this title on the anniversary of Andy's passing makes it all the more special for me. It's my way of celebrating and honouring all the memories I have of him."
Slater won his first ASP World Title at age 20 in 1992, becoming the youngest surfer ever to achieve this rank. Paradoxically, he's now the oldest surfer to have claimed this title... And his career seems far from over... Indeed, Kelly, not yet ready to retire, will return to conquer the waves next year for a new ASP championship that promises to deliver more thrilling moments...
