Every sport in the world always has an athlete who, more than just an athlete, looks like a superhero straight out of a science fiction movie. surf has its own star: Kelly Slater. One of the superheroes we were talking about, who has managed to be world champion 11 times in his career and still seems tireless...

Kelly Slater gets the title!! ASP World


At 39 years of age and with an incredible haul of titles, Kelly Slater has swept the world once again after being crowned world champion. All lovers of water sports will be delighted with this achievement, especially all passionate surfers. Well, you will surely admire this surfer with amazing potential who is making history in the world of surfing.

Why do we say that it is making history? He is the only person to have achieved an 11th ASP World title, after facing a year-long championship. Ocean Beach, San Francisco/California was the last point of the championship, in which Slater took on 1.5 meter waves and defended himself against his rival, 28-year-old Australian Dan Ross. In statements by Kelly Slater:

"I have had a lot of heats with Rossy (Dan Ross) this year, the danger of the waves with a little force is real, so I knew it was going to be dangerous and I was not well placed..."


World champion for the 11th time


But he finally managed to take over the waves and, consequently, the title. He commented that just a couple of days before he did not feel comfortable on the board, but he finally managed to put an end to a very tough year of competitions and win the championship on American soil, which filled him with pride. During the emotion of the victory he also had the opportunity to remember his rival and friend Andy Irons, who left us last year in a tragic way:

"It was a special moment. Someone is looking over us and it's probably Andy"

Achieving this title right on the anniversary of Irons' death perhaps made it even more special, because although at the time he was a staunch rival, achieving, among others, nothing more and nothing less than three consecutive ASP World championships ; but he became a close friend during the last few years.

"Winning this title on the anniversary of Andy's passing makes it that much more special to me. It's a way to celebrate my memories with him."

Slater won the first world title at the age of 20, back in 1992, becoming the youngest surfer in the world with this trophy. Paradoxes of Life was not only the youngest person to win the ASP world title but is now also the oldest ASP world champion.

Kelly Slater, world surfing champion


Now he will continue fighting and giving his all in the next championships, as he assures that he is in his best moment and that at least for a while he will not retire.

If you want to see the results of the 2011 ASP World and the years in which Kelly Slater achieved this title, you can consult it on the Valencian Community surf blog by clicking here.