Hint: It involves a spectacular falter.
Two weeks ago, in a tease even greater than any planned World Surf League announcement, the world’s greatest athlete admitted to a moment in his unmatched professional career that was a “full-on breakdown.”
What was the moment?
What could it have been?
We all waited with bated breath for the Apple TV’s Greatness Code to be released. The series focuses on pivotal moments in legendary sporting lives. LeBron James, Tom Brady, Usain Bolt and of course Kelly Slater.
But back to the moment… what? What would have sent tears rolling down Kelly Slater’s tanned, sculpted cheeks?
Did you have a guess?
Derek Rielly wondered if losing the title to Andy Irons at Pipeline in 2003 might have done it but, as Greatness Code was released in its entirety yesterday, wondering is no longer necessary.
But should I spoil for you or will you savor the suspense all day, go home, butter some popcorn, pour a refreshing Snapple ice tea and press play?
Oh heck, nobody has/cares about Apple TV anyhow so the moment was when Danny Wills, great Australian regular foot, “faltered in spectacular fashion” at the 1998 Pipeline Masters, opening the door for Kelly Slater to shoot up and snag his 5th World Title.
Very exciting.
Apparently, winning five World Titles was his childhood dream and with it suddenly right there in front of him, the champ emotionally broke down.
Thankfully Nick Carroll’s brother Tom was there and did a little yoga with Kelly in order to calm him down. Very progressive of Tom, I think, as 1998 would have been early days for our modern yoga movement.
In any case, Slater went on, won the crown and cemented himself as the greatest athlete in the world by winning six more on top of those five.
Take that Tom Brady.
But does Kelly Slater’s breakdown moment surprise you?
Do you have a favorite breakdown moment of your own?
Watch here!
Is doing “yoga” with Tom Carrol some kind of code word for doing ice (crystal methamphetamine).
Williamtheconquerer
There is a simple solution, stay out of the water. If a great white came into your home would you blame home owners? Would you eradicate home owners? Sharks live in the sea and in the sea they have more rights than mankind. If you choose to skateboard on the freeway you risk being hit by a car, maybe we should get rid of traffic so kids can skateboard wherever they want? Man does not belong in the sea, if he chooses to share that space he takes the risk that comes with it, what’s next, take out the coral so surfers don’t get cut up?
“Nick Carroll,s brother Tom” may be the funniest line I have read on this website. Brilliant Chas!!!
I thought yoga was just something one did in order to get to the point of enlightenment (thats when you can actually suck your own dick)? Something Nick has been doing for a long time
God dang it! I for sure thought it was the pam/tommy sex tape, but I guess that was pre-Kelly. Oh well
I have a Bosch – about two years now. Best dishwasher I have ever owned. Super quiet and does a spectacular job.
Speaking of breakdowns, where is bex?
Scheduling a breakdown for tonight. Overdue.
Kelly would struggle to be more boring at this point.
He’ll be back to his boring best now that he’s got old mate Gronk to throw to !
I had to laugh like fuck when the commentators were celebrating his 1000 yard rushing career low-light in 2018.
Hahahahar
Look…. Tom Brady isn’t exactly the north star in personalities
Episodes are less than 10 minutes long for a reason I suppose
Headline journalism … The vibe and the adventure is spirit of surfing !
Another vote for Bosch. Prolly the quietest out of all of them.
Shit , what a great marketing opportunity for Tom and his new Yoga/Meditation schools…really Kelly????………I thought it was when you came to Australia for the Qiky Pro…when you were being dated by Pam…boy friend looks at media and finds out Pam just married tommy lee…..”But she’s my girlfriend, had to go home for familly reasons……vs the pressure of winning a World Title…..?
I honestly think he offers up this rubbish to make him seem more mundane, the real dirt I’ve heard from the horses mouth at times would make a whore blush.
he sounds more and more like the Don!
Haha, the Don on soooo many levels.
Wait, that’s the OFFICIAL trailer?
I thought that was an edit BG did as a mockery?
No. Way.
What an absolute cunt.
You cut these pieces together where you just have no idea what KS is talking about! Sh*t editing job!🏄
Was Kelly in tears when he got pegged by Pamela Anderson?
Tears of joyous pleasure…
Sure there were moments when I doubted myself, but that’s when the tough get going. It was towards the end of the first attempt at something really challenging that I questioned myself. I pushed through and made it. Not gonna lie it hurt. And hurt even more to knock back the prize that was offered.
The second time, not so much of a problem. The unknowns were known and accommodations were made mentally. So when it was over and done, the prize was oh so much sweeter.
Yep, conquering the Combination 11* at Mexican Mick’s in Byron Bay taught me a few things over the journey. Mainly that it’s a mental battle. The first time I didn’t know I was going for it until I saw it on the menu. It was a struggle. And even though greatness was achieved, 3rd person to complete the plate, and youngest), I wasn’t able to make a go of the free ice cream dessert offered as a reward.
The next year, I was prepared physically. surfed all day, (ate sparingly) and mentally, (I knew the real achievement was being able to complete the dessert. By the time I got through that chimichanga, I knew it was there to be had, and enjoyed the victory lap.
Some have greatness thrust upon them, I thrust it down my throat.
*A plate of everything on the menu; taco, burrito, quesadilla, etc, etc.
Hmmm…sounds like cultural appropriation or western capitalist gluttony.
Did you do a big poo? Perfect dismount?
I can’t be certain that the toilets at the Broken Head Caravan Park didn’t get a workover, but nothing sticks in the memory as being exceptional. I’m going to say I took it in stride.
I want to know how Danny Wills is feeling.
I’m having a breakdown over how anticlimactic this breakdown was.
anticlimactic ricmatic.
Never thought you’d hear that, right???
Ha! I used to drive an H J, J H!
Very underwhelming wasn’t it. Fell for click bait immediately here.