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
Quick Look
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.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
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.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Kelly Slater will face increased scrutiny in his next match against Jack Robinson.
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will Kelly Slater win the entire Tahiti Pro competition?
