Mick Fanning may have missed out on the 2015 World Champion title after losing to Adriano de Souza in a nailbiter at the Billabong Pipe Masters in Oahu, Hawaii, but he’s the true hero of the hour in a lot of people’s eyes – including de Souza’s.
A beautiful hug from a beautiful mum. Liz and @Mick_Fanning share a special moment at #PipeMasters Pic @ripcurl_usa pic.twitter.com/uJLn8Bfjwx
— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) December 17, 2015
The sporting community is now rallying behind Fanno as he struggles to comprehend with the loss of a second brother (Sean Fanning died in a fatal car accident in 1998), saluting his strength, bravery and professionalism in the face of such a shitty hand.
.@Mick_Fanning, you’re a true champ of the sport. We all rode it with you. pic.twitter.com/3h8UQc7MyE
— Red Bull Australia (@redbullau) December 18, 2015
An amazing year, an amazing man. @Mick_Fanning , 2015 runner up world title. Congrats to @MineirinhoSurf #WorldTitle pic.twitter.com/zYVpuve103
— Rip Curl (@ripcurl_europe) December 17, 2015
Ticker plus @Mick_Fanning wasn’t to be but you’ve done us proud #respect #PipeMasters congrats de Souza on title pic.twitter.com/KqLbrO7Wqu
— Jim Wilson (@JimWilsonTV) December 17, 2015
ICYMI, Fanno posted a touching tribute to Pete to his Instagram yesterday, calling his bro “a hero”.