Today marked the last professional event of Aussie legend Mick Fanning‘s career before his retirement, and while he didn’t get the fairytale finish – he was narrowly beaten by Brazil‘s Italo Ferreira in a nail-biting Rip Curl Pro final at Bells Beach – that hasn’t stopped the world paying tribute to just a top bloke who’s had a bloody great career.
Having surfed and won his first Bells Beach comp in 2001 as a wildcard, 36-year-old Mick has since won 22 world surf tour events including 4 at Bells and is a three-time WSP (World Surfing Professionals) world champion.
He’s also rather renowned for that time he punched a great white shark in the waters of Jeffreys Bay, South Africa while he was competing in the final of the J-Bay Open in July 2015.
He managed to escape the encounter unscathed, but took some time off from surfing after his eldest brother Peter passed away in December 2015 and subsequently splitting with wife Karissa Dalton in early 2016.
Tragically, Mick’s elder brother Sean, himself a promising surfer, was killed in a car crash in 1998 aged just 20, so it wasn’t the first time Mick had faced losing a family member. But it’s these personal hardships that make Mick such an Aussie battler, and such a champion in our eyes.
It’s not all about trophies, it’s not always about winning finals. It’s about spirit, and our boy Mick has that in spades. #CheersMick, you bloody legend.
Peep some of the beaut tributes to Mick right here. *wipes tears*
16 years around the globe, 22 Tour wins, 3 World Titles and a finish to remember. Today not only marked the end of an incredible career, but also the beginning of a whole new adventure. #CheersMick @Mick_Fanning pic.twitter.com/HeHMD0idmv
— Rip Curl (@ripcurl) April 5, 2018
3 World Championship titles, 22 World Tour event wins.
It’s been one hell of a ride, congrats @Mick_Fanning .#CheersMick pic.twitter.com/m27i5cqsfu
— Red Bull Australia (@redbullau) April 5, 2018
Cheers Mick! You were a champion long before you paddled out today, and you’ll be one long after you paddle in. #cheersmick pic.twitter.com/zBf88tIaS6
— Balter Brewing (@balterbrewers) April 5, 2018
Kinda emotional watching @Mick_Fanning surf his last ever event on tour after a 16 year career. An iconic Australian athlete. Thanks for everything #CheersMick pic.twitter.com/AKZB9Docpt
— fire at will (@WilliamBoreland) April 5, 2018
Legend!!!!!! I can’t belive that I had the opportunity to see this man surfing, take a picture and talk to him. One of the bests moments of my life ❤️ #cheersmick pic.twitter.com/SfgocIjhSj
— marianna com dois n (@_mariannarolo) April 5, 2018
Hats off to @Mick_Fanning on an incredible career. Not the fairytale ending at Bells Beach you deserved but congratulations on being a world class surfer and a world class Australian! 🇦🇺 #cheersmick
— Adam Ashley-Cooper (@AdamCoopy) April 5, 2018
One of the greatest to ever do it. 🙏 #CheersMick enjoy the search! pic.twitter.com/t4ZHXXyzCU
— Scott William (@scottymathews24) April 5, 2018
What a career, what a legend, what a role model #CheersMick pic.twitter.com/33GDg3wSr2
— Jaben Ryan (@JabenRyan) April 5, 2018
The legend @Mick_Fanning goes out in style. So many great memories from this guys career. #CheersMick pic.twitter.com/senegBEKcM
— Ryan Hanly (@ryanhanly) April 5, 2018
Farewell to a humble champ, grateful for everything that has come his way. @Mick_Fanning a great role model for young Australians. #cheersmick @wsl #BellsBeach pic.twitter.com/ORHiXcnW0r
— Paul Newman (@PaulNewman111) April 5, 2018
What a career. What a bloke.#CheersMick pic.twitter.com/PVloPpVUCu
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) April 5, 2018
Thanks for the memories, mate.
