Perth: Kelly Slater, hailed as the greatest professional tourer of all time, said on Tuesday that “it’s like the end” after being kicked out of the Australian Open and missing out on the World Tour.
The 52-year-old American, an 11-time world champion, failed to qualify for this summer’s Paris Olympics.
“This is like the end,” he said, fighting back tears after being eliminated from the World Surf League event in Margaret River, near Perth.
But it was a palpable sensation and he was brought to the beach to show respect and cheered by fans and rivals agreed.
“Everything comes to an end,” said Slater, who was once compared to how the sport of basketball passed Michael Jordan.
“If you don’t adapt, you won’t survive.
“My motivation is not there to put in 100 percent, which everyone is doing now.”
Known for his prowess and style, Slater burst into the surfing scene in 1990, two years later at the age of 20, and in 2011, he became the last world champion.
He is the youngest and oldest world champion.
Slater also appeared in dozens of surfing movies and starred in the 1990s television series Baywatch.
He also appeared in American video games.
“It’s a great memory,” said Slater, who has a child on the way with partner Kalani Miller.
“It’s been a long time, it wasn’t all roses, but it was the best time of my life.
“I couldn’t pull off a miracle this week. It’s been years.”
Surfing icon Slater, 52, says ‘this feels like the end’
