Kelly Slater, renowned as one of the greatest professional surfers in history, expressed poignant sentiments on Tuesday, suggesting that his recent elimination from a competition in Australia signaled a potential conclusion to his storied career. The 52-year-old American, boasting an impressive 11 world championship titles, faced elimination from the World Surf League event at Margaret River, near Perth, effectively relinquishing his position on the world tour. Already out of contention for a spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics, Slater’s emotional response to his defeat hinted at the weight of this potential farewell.
“This feels like the end,” Slater conveyed, his voice tinged with emotion, as he spoke of his elimination from the competition.
While refraining from definitively declaring retirement, Slater has previously hinted at the conclusion of his professional surfing journey. On Tuesday, he mentioned his request for a wildcard entry into an upcoming event in Fiji. However, his visible emotional state upon exiting the competition, coupled with a touching display of respect from fans and fellow competitors who carried him off the beach, underscored the gravity of the moment.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Slater acknowledged the inevitability of change, stating, “Everything comes to an end. If you don’t adapt, you don’t survive.” Drawing comparisons to basketball icon Michael Jordan for the transcendent nature of his fame, Slater emphasized the challenges of maintaining motivation in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The surfing community, including Australian three-time world champion Mick Fanning, extended heartfelt congratulations to Slater for his remarkable contributions to the sport. Fanning praised Slater’s unparalleled impact on surfing, crediting him with inspiring a generation of athletes to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Known for his exceptional skill and distinctive style, Slater burst onto the surfing scene in 1990, clinching his first world title at the age of 20, and his last in 2011. Remarkably, he holds the distinction of being both the youngest and oldest world champion in the sport’s history. Beyond his competitive achievements, Slater’s influence extends to the realms of film and television, with appearances in numerous surfing documentaries, the iconic television series “Baywatch,” and even video games.
As Slater contemplates the next chapter of his life, which includes the impending arrival of a baby with his partner Kalani Miller, he embraces the notion of new beginnings. “It’s the start of something else, the start of the rest of my life,” Slater remarked, reflecting on the myriad emotions and memories that have defined his journey. While acknowledging the challenges and disappointments along the way, Slater remains grateful for the unparalleled experiences that surfing has afforded him.
“I couldn’t quite pull a miracle off this week,” Slater admitted. “But I’ve pulled off a few over the years.”