Surfing legend Kelly Slater advanced to the third round of the Tahiti Pro at Teahupo’o, defeating Brazil’s three-time world champion Gabriel Medina with a two-wave total of 19.06 out of 20, according to ABC Sport. Competing as a wildcard in unruly 15-to-20-foot waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics venue, the 54-year-old American navigated heavy wipeouts and a broken board to secure the heat win.
Slater Overcomes Heavy Wipeouts to Beat Medina
The heat presented extreme conditions as monstrous swells battered the lineup. According to ABC Sport, Slater was smashed on his first attempt and took an even harder hit on his second wave that broke his board in two. Despite the damage, the 11-time world champion recovered to thread a long, deep tube that earned a 9.73 out of 10, taking the lead before backing it up with another excellent score.
Slater admitted that public criticism regarding his wildcard selection fueled his performance in the challenging surf. According to ABC Sport, the veteran surfer noted that he still had something to prove despite his storied career. “You see those comments, a lot of people doubting me or saying [the opportunity] should have gone to a local wildcard,” Slater told ABC Sport. “Even after all this time, I have something to prove.”
Next Round Matchup Against Jack Robinson
With his victory over Medina—who famously beat Slater in an epic final at the same venue in 2014—Slater advanced to set up a third-round clash against reigning champion Jack Robinson of Australia. Robinson advanced after being pushed hard by countryman Callum Robson in round two, according to ABC Sport. Meanwhile, California’s Griffin Colapinto posted the highest performance of the second round, registering a perfect 10-point ride on his way to a season-high heat total of 19.6 out of 20.
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