to be top in your sport for 20 years is impressive. There is a certain skill set needed to do what he does.
However to call him the best athlete ever is ridiculous. The amount of people that will never live close enough to even think of training for surfing is astronomical compared to other sports.
However to call him the best athlete ever is ridiculous. The amount of people that will never live close enough to even think of training for surfing is astronomical compared to other sports.
Had to ask google to find out what sport he was even in. Then asked about income levels. Looks like the the guys at the very top take home up to $1 million per year. Which is a good indication that if someone has enough athletic skill to either become a professional surfer or one of the major team sports, they're unlikely to choose the ocean
If you're making a top 100 list, there's too much subjectivity to say he absolutely shouldn't belong. If you're making a top 10 list, there are too many better choices to even consider someone like that
If you're making a top 100 list, there's too much subjectivity to say he absolutely shouldn't belong. If you're making a top 10 list, there are too many better choices to even consider someone like that
People who don't surf/never surfed don't realized the skill involved, especially to be at the top. That's why pros practice, no really, practice 2-6 hours per day. Of all the sports, it's probably the most fun to "practice" so of course they stay in the water all day. Also because monetary prizes are very low in denomination it's important to be at your best. As an athlete is he the best ever? No. As an athlete with the skill set he has? I'd say possibly. It takes a very different skill set to surf at a pro level. Just ask Bo Jackson to get on a surfboard and see what happens
I have a buddy of mine from Jax Beach who used to surf with/against him when he was up and coming (in the 80's) on the Florida circuit. He has old newspaper clipping of beating Slater in several competitions. He decided to "get a real job"....and - as they say - the rest is history.
Slater is an outstanding athlete. Some of the best athletes in the world are soccer players....but most of us (Americans) don't really give a shit!
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Slater is an outstanding athlete. Some of the best athletes in the world are soccer players....but most of us (Americans) don't really give a shit!
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