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RIO DE JANEIRO, RIO – MAY 12: Kelly Slater of the United States of America surfs during his Round 1 heat at the Oi Rio Pro on May 12, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Daniel Smorigo/World Surf League via Getty Images)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, RIO – MAY 12: Kelly Slater of the United States of America surfs during his Round 1 heat at the Oi Rio Pro on May 12, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Daniel Smorigo/World Surf League via Getty Images)
The wave demigod Kelly Slater found his solace in the infinity of the ocean when he was just 5. Ever since then, the icon has been unstoppable. From having 11 World Surf League titles to being a recipient of every surfing trophy there is, the 51-year-old came a long way. He defied age and trounced every wave that came his way. However, the surfing legend recently ripped off the band-aid and answered the most anticipated intrigue about his retirement.
In an interview with the Guardian Australia, the wave maestro opened up about his retirement plans. The 51-year-old conceded that if he makes it to the USA team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, then he’ll bid adieu to his beloved sport. The surfer’s revelation caused a stir in the surfing fraternity. Fans applauded him for his celebrated career. Following the news, many fans and netizens brimmed social media with a thread of comments about Slater’s retirement.
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Fans expressed their heartfelt encomiums for Kelly Slater following the announcement of his retirement plans
The 51-year-old recently told the Guardian Australia, “If I make the Olympics, I’ll retire at the Olympics.” He further added, “the qualification process is going to be tough, but if I can get into the Olympics, the location of the event is at Tahiti – that wave really suits my strengths. So if I can get there I think I have a really good chance of a medal, but I think the harder part is going to be getting there, to be honest”.
Slater further mentioned that his goal was always to be a world champion, which there is no doubt he has achieved. However, the surfer asserted that the Olympics rejuvenated a new spark within him and he wants to surf in the 2024 Olympics as his last testament to the sport. Expressing their encomiums and praise for the champion, fans penned…
The GOAT! 🏄♂️
— Matt’s what he said (@DirtyJerseyMatt) February 23, 2023
absolute legend and great sport ambassador #KellySlater https://t.co/2R9akUj5u7
— barbaradavidson.eth (@Photospice) February 23, 2023
What a beautiful sport to be a legend in.
In the moment it is just you, wind, waves and the pulse of the ocean.
Surfing is a spiritual sport.
— Jake Winker Frogen (@JWFrogen) February 23, 2023
What a legend
— Margerie Linton (@LintonMargerie) February 23, 2023
Great story, @KieranPender 👊 One to follow as he pursues his dream adieu!
— Rupert Guinness (@rupertguinness) February 23, 2023
Kelly Slater indeed is the force to be reckoned with. Being the only surfer to hold the youngest and the oldest world champion titles, the 51-year-old has established a legacy with his decades of vocation in surfing. Now, as he has decided to retire after one last surfing prompt at the Paris Olympics, the surfing community is nothing but emotional with the news.
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