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Kelly Slater is a name that needs no introduction in the world of surfing. He has been competing professionally for over three decades, and has won just about every major surfing title there is. But the Pipeline Masters is a special event, and it’s one that Slater has won more times than anyone else in history. So when he won it again in 2021, it was a momentous occasion. After Slater won the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii, his emotional post-win interview, left surfing fans around the world in tears.

Slater is an icon, a legend, and an inspiration to millions of people around the world. But he was struggling with a long list of disappointing performances prior to the pipeline.  

Kelly Slater makes fans emotional with his heartfelt message

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In 2021, after the win, Slater was interviewed on live TV, and his emotions got the best of him. He struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about what the win meant to him. He talked about how he had been surfing at Pipeline for over 40 years, and how he had seen some of the major setbacks in his career. “I committed my life to this, you know. All the heartbreaks and all the winning and all this crap.”

The legend further said that his struggles and hard work have finally borne fruits. “You know I hated  lots of it but I just saved this and this is the best way of my life.” As he spoke, Slater’s eyes filled with tears, and he struggled to find the right words to express his emotions. But his fans understood exactly what he was feeling. They knew that this win wasn’t just about another trophy or accolade for Slater, but about the long journey of struggles coming to an end. 

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Slater’s words were heartfelt and honest, and they struck a chord with fans around the world. Here was a man who had achieved almost everything there is to achieve in surfing, and yet after four decades, he still felt the same passion and love for the sport that he did when he was a young kid. The second season of the popular ‘Make Or Break’ surfing series featured Slater’s historic win and his deep connection with the oceanic waves. 

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Slater’s deep connection with the ocean waves

Kelly Slater opened up about the deep connection he had with the ocean and the waves. He also talked about the joy and satisfaction he felt when he was in the barrel. He described it as a serene atmosphere when everything else fades away and the surfer is completely engrossed in the present moment. “When you get a barrel it feels like something so natural. It’s like this sacred place in nature and it all makes sense.”, he added. 

via Getty

Slater’s tears were a reminder that surfing is about so much more than just riding waves – it’s about connecting with nature, pushing ourselves to be the best we can be, and finding joy and fulfillment in every moment we spend out on the water.

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WATCH THIS STORY:  51-Year-Old Legend Kelly Slater Gets Candid About the Toughest Moments in His Surfing Career