The World Surf League (WSL) has introduced a mid-season cut this year. This means that only the top 22 men and top 10 women can continue to compete in the second half of the season. Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion and the greatest surfer of all time, has missed this cut after being eliminated in the third round of the Margaret River Pro in Western Australia. 

But the tables have turned now that Kelly Slater has received wildcards for the second half of the 2023 Championship Tour and the first half of the 2024 Championship Tour. The wildcards give Slater a chance to pursue his dream of winning another world title and qualifying for the Olympics. The journey begins at the Surf Ranch Pro in California, a place that holds a special significance as it is owned by the surfing legend himself. The stage is set for him to achieve his dream of winning another world title and qualifying for the Olympics, marking monumental milestones in the world of surfing.

Kelly Slater’s Quest for a 12th World Title and Olympic Glory

Kelly Slater has a dream of winning another world title and qualifying for the Olympics, which are two of the biggest achievements in surfing. He has already won 11 world titles, which is a record in the sport, but he wants to add a 12th one to his resume. He has also never competed in the Olympics, which is a new opportunity for surfers since the sport was included in the Tokyo 2020 Games. He wants to represent his country and sport at the Paris 2024 Games, which will take place in Tahiti, where he has won five times before.

“The qualification process is going to be tough, but if I can get into the Olympics, the location the event is at in 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,” says Kelly.

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A wave of excitement crashes upon the shores of professional surfing as Kelly Slater and Johanne Defay secure wildcards for the 2023/2024 season. With a chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Slater’s experience and Defay’s ranking make them formidable contenders. Miguel Pupo and Brisa Hennessy also join, ready to showcase their skills.

Surfing’s Wildcard Journey: Slater, Defay, Pupo, and Hennessy Defy Expectations

Slater’s wildcard status opens up a window of opportunity for provisional qualification for the highly anticipated Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The event, set to take place in Tahiti, holds a special significance for Slater, as he has triumphed there on five previous occasions. As he sets his sights on securing a spot among the world’s best surfers, Slater’s profound experience and undeniable skill position him as a formidable contender in the quest for Olympic glory.

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Joining Slater as a recipient of the wildcard for the 2023/2024 season is the remarkable Johanne Defay from France. Despite missing the first three tour events due to injury, Defay’s impressive ranking as world No. 3 from the previous year has earned her the opportunity to compete and earn crucial ranking points as the wildcard. With provisional qualification for the Olympics already in her grasp, Defay remains a formidable force in the lineup and a contender for the coveted Final 5 rankings.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, wildcard invitations have been extended to Miguel Pupo from Brazil and Brisa Hennessy from Costa Rica. While they will not accrue ranking points as wildcards, the chance to compete in all competitions during the first half of the season serves as a valuable platform for them to showcase their skills and elevate their performance on the tour.

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