Surfing legend Kelly Slater fights back tears and becomes emotional about her family after her defeat in Australia ended her incredible career.

It was almost natural that it would take the current world number 1 to put an end to the greatest career in surfing history.

11-time world champion Kelly Slater chose to hug Griffin Colapinto as time ticked down in their Round of 16 match at the Margaret River Pro on Tuesday with a miraculous final escape past the 52-year-old legend.

Slater needed a win in WA to survive the mid-season break. After surviving an elimination round Tuesday morning at Main Break, he found current leader Colapinto too difficult to handle.

Slater sat by the beach and walked up the stairs to loud cheers, with a high five from fellow American Colapinto on the way, before revealing he had requested a wildcard for the next event in Fiji because he didn’t want to not finish. on a wave that had never been kind to him.

Slater was presiding from the beach at what is almost certainly his final event as a professional surfer.

“It’s so much emotion for so long, so much dedication,” he said, holding back tears.

“Everything is not rosy, you know? But it was the best time of my life.

“My family is home and I’m watching, I love you guys.

“I didn’t manage to pull off a miracle this week, but I’ve pulled off a few over the years.

“I always had that hope there, you know? One of them could appear with a minute to go.

“But to lose to No. 1, you know Griff (Griffin Colapinto) is No. 1, I’ve been close friends with Griff for a long time.

“So I kind of avoid that emotion, because it’s bubbling up there.

“But it hit me at Sunset (Hurley Pro Sunset Beach) this year (where Slater first said he was wondering if he should retire).”

Eleven-time WSL champion Kelly Slater gave it his all in his final competitive event at the Margaret River Pro in Western Australia.

Slater dominated surfing like no one else during his three decades on tour, but said the time was right to move on with a baby due in three months.

“It’s been an incredible lifetime of memories,” he said.

Australian surfing champion Mick Fanning paid tribute to Slater, hailing him for inspiring a generation of surfers.

“Congratulations on an incredible career,” Fanning posted.

“What you have done for the sport of surfing is second to none. Pushing the limits of what is possible.

“Dedication to your craft has inspired everyone to become better.

“Thank you for all the memories and all the battles. It has truly been an honor to share heats, surfs and experiences over the years.

“You taught me what it takes to become a champion in and out of the water.

“I wish you all the best for your future and your new growing family. Love and respect.’

Slater and his long-term partner Kalani Miller (pictured) are expecting their first child together

Slater’s legacy will be winning the World Surf League Championship a record 11 times, making him the greatest surfer of all time with 56 Championship Tour victories.

He began surfing at the age of five, demonstrating his precocious talent by winning his first United States Championship title at age 10 and achieving a third place finish in the junior division at the amateur world championships in England at age 16. years.

Slater turned professional in 1990, quickly making his mark by winning his first Bud Pro Tour contest and qualifying for the World Surf League Championship Tour the following year.

Slater and Pamela Anderson (pictured together) were a subject in the early 1990s after meeting on the set of Baywatch

After 31 years of duel with the ocean, Slater finally puts an end to his brilliant career.

Despite a difficult start, finishing 43rd in his first year, Slater won his first professional circuit event in 1992, becoming surfing’s youngest world champion at age 20.

He dominated the sport throughout the 1990s, winning five consecutive world titles from 1994 to 1998, a period which also saw the popularity of televised surfing events growing in popularity.

After a brief hiatus from competitive surfing in late 1998, Slater returned to the circuit in 2002, continuing to score significant victories and maintain an influential presence in professional surfing.

Slater’s career accolades include three Triple Crown of Surfing championships, eight Pipeline Masters championships and victories in major surfing competitions around the world, such as the Hurley Pro at Trestles, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, the Billabong Pro Tahiti and others.

His accomplishments earned him induction into the Surfers Hall of Fame.