Looking Back at Kelly Slater’s Heartfelt Eulogy to Ultimate Rival and Friend Andy Irons

Kelly Slater is one of the greatest players to compete in competitive surfing. He has an incredible record in surfing, which denotes his excellent relationship with water and tides. Despite being 50 years old, Slater continues to compete in international competitions in surfing. However, he won the last world championship title more than a decade ago.

But that does not shake his hunger to compete at the highest level. There was no one to challenge him during his peak. However, when he came back after a break in 2002, there was a new generation of pro surfers to challenge him. And the top rival among them was Andy Irons. However, in 2010, Slater wrote a heartfelt letter to Andy’s parents, brothers, and friends after the demise of the legend.

Kelly Slater’s heartfelt message for the late Andy Irons’ parents

Kelly Slater is one of the greatest surfers of all time and Andy Irons was another legend on the list of the greatest surfers. Andy Irons took his last breaths on November 2nd, 2010. The New York Times confirmed the cause of Andy’s death as a heart attack induced due to coronary artery disease and acute mixed drug ingestion.

After the demise, Slater shared a heartfelt letter for Irons’ family. He wrote, “Andy was an absolutely gifted individual. I’m lucky to have known him and had the times we had together. I feel blessed that we worked through the differences we had and I was able to learn what I’m made of because of Andy.” He also recalled the times they spent together with their girls and how innocent and happy Andy was.

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Moreover, he shared his thoughts with Andy’s parents. He continued, “My thoughts are with Bruce and Lyndie and their parents and all of his many friends around the world. It’s a huge and far too premature loss for all of us.”

The legendary rivalry between Kelly Slater and Andy Irons

Kelly Slater debuted in pro competitions in 1990 and dominated the 90s with his incredible performances. However, he retired in 1999 but made a comeback after a few years. But when he came back in 2002, there was a completely different level of challenge awaiting him. Andy Irons was at his peak and extremely difficult to defeat.

The rivalry between Andy and Kelly is said to be the toughest of all time. However, Andy didn’t allow Kelly to come and win titles again, just like he did in the 90s. Andy defeated Kelly three consecutive times before Kelly once again won the title in 2006 and dethroned Andy’s long run. At the end of the letter he wrote, “He was the most intense competitor I’ve ever known and one of the most sensitive people. He had so much life left in him and it hurts to think about. I really miss Andy. He had a really good heart.”

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Kelly Slater and Andy Irons shared the greatest rivalry in the history of surfing. Moreover, they shared a friendship that Kelly cherishes forever.