Cover photo: WSL/Dunbar 

In my opinion, Kelly Slater has an eternal wildcard in any WSL event, on the USA team, and I would give it to him in the Olympic Games, although this is impossible, there are no wildcards there.

But how funny it is that there were people who questioned the presence of the best athlete in history on the wave in which he is the most successful.

But please! Wash your mouths out with soap!

How can anyone suggest that Slater might be out of shape or that he can no longer compete at this level?

Did nobody see their Stab in the Dark?

Doesn't anyone see him surfing every time he goes to the water? Every single one of his moves has more class and meticulous detail of excellence than 99,9999% of the entire planet.

In other words: Surfing-wise, Slater was in. At any CT event, but especially at Teahupoo.

Then, ethical problems?

How many surfers sponsored by a brand are part of a calendar event? 750. So, is there a problem with Kelly?

Is it because he owns the gym? So, do we take away JJF's last title? Florence Marine X sponsored the finals that the Hawaiian won. But there are 700.000 examples like this.

So, is it because it had to be given to a Tahitian? There were already two, actually four with Kauli and Vahine.

Finally… Commercially, or in terms of audience reach, how does Slater's presence affect things? It's a huge advantage; it multiplies views by millions.

Not only the impact on the live stream but also on social media views and more.

And on top of that, with this result. Two series, excellent scores in both, victories in both.

Slater shutting up all the idiots who came out saying he shouldn't be there.

I feel sorry for the shame they went through back then and what they are going through now.

Thanks Kelly.