MUNDAKA, Spain n Yesterday will go down in history as the first time a professional athlete has won eight world titles. Cyclist Lane Armstrong retired after seven. Formula 1 driver Michael Shumacher recently faltered in his hunt for No. 8.
MUNDAKA, Spain n Yesterday will go down in history as the first time a professional athlete has won eight world titles.
Cyclist Lane Armstrong retired after seven. Formula 1 driver Michael Shumacher recently faltered in his hunt for No. 8.
But Kelly Slater claimed his crown with ease by beating Joel Parkinson in the semis at the Billabong Pro Mundaka with two events still remaining on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour.
Slater distanced himself so much in the point standings that none of the other title contenders — including Taj Burrow, Andy Irons, Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning — can catch him even if they win the next two events in Brazil and Pipeline on O‘ahu.
“This year is maybe the most satisfying because it just flowed so well,” said Slater. “I’ve been on a good run and I just kept getting those results. It’s just been the smoothest year ever as far as competition goes. My life is pretty cruisey now.”
Slater finished third in the Billabong Pro Tahiti, no-showed the Globe WCT Fiji, took fifth in the Rip Curl Pro Search, third at Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, second in Boost Mobile Pro, California; third Quiksilver Pro France and now second Mundaka.
With this title, Slater affirms his place as the most prolific competitive surfer of all time.
“I was almost going to retire this year,” said Slater. “I feel good, I feel like I’m surfing as strong and as good as ever. I feel like I’m competing better than ever. It makes me feel like I can keep going if I want. At this point I’m not sure.”
