Kelly Slater, 54, Defies Age with Masterclass Win Over Gabriel Medina at Tahiti Pro
11-Time World Champion Recovers from Hip Surgery to Deliver Near-Perfect Heat Score
L'essentiel
54-year-old surfing legend Kelly Slater, recovering from hip surgery, wins a wildcard entry at the Tahiti Pro, defeating 3-time world champion Gabriel Medina with a near-perfect heat score of 19.06 in challenging Teahupo'o waves.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
Kelly Slater, an 11-time world surfing champion, competes in the Tahiti Pro after recovering from hip surgery.
Even at 54, Kelly Slater’s surfing mastery knows no bounds. Given a wildcard for the Tahiti Pro, Slater delivered a masterclass, defeating Gabriel Medina with a near-perfect heat score of 19.06 at Teahupo’o.
Slater, an 11-time world champion recovering from hip surgery, impressed in pumping conditions with two deep barrels scoring 9.73 and 9.33. This total, though short of his perfect 20 scores at Teahupo’o, outshone Medina, a three-time world champion.
Slater faces Australia’s Jack Robinson next after Robinson advanced with 18.20 against Callum Robson’s 17.40. Slater, inspired by doubts over his wildcard, aims to prove himself, stating, “I think I can win this contest.”
The event, sponsored by Slater’s sustainable apparel brand, saw Slater reflect on the emotional heat, almost crying afterward, empathizing with Medina’s struggles and the toughness of competing away from family.
À surveiller
Perspective IA — des possibilités, pas des certitudes
Kelly Slater will face increased scrutiny in his next match against Jack Robinson.
Probable · En quelques jours
Questions ouvertes
- Will Kelly Slater win the entire Tahiti Pro competition?
