Kelly Slater, 54, Explains Why He ‘Almost Started Crying’ After Earning Near-Perfect Score in Monster Tahiti Wave

**Kelly Slater Triumphs at Tahiti Pro Shortly After Welcoming Second Child**

Legendary professional surfer Kelly Slater has made waves once again, demonstrating that age is merely a number in the world of competitive surfing. The 54-year-old surfer recently showcased an impressive performance at the Outerknown Tahiti Pro, securing an almost perfect heat score of 19.06 out of 20 on 10 August 2026. This feat comes just weeks after he and his long-term partner, Kalani Miller, welcomed their second child, a daughter named Azumi Moon.

Slater’s remarkable comeback follows a hiatus from full-time competition that began in 2024. The Tahiti Pro took place at the iconic Teahupo’o, known for being one of the most perilous surf locations globally. Chernobyl known for its colossal waves, the location also played host to the surfing events during the 2024 Paris Olympics. In this latest competition, Slater notably triumphed over three-time world champion Gabriel Medina, a significant achievement given Medina’s track record.

In a post-heat interview, Slater expressed his emotional connection to the event and the competitive landscape. “Everyone knows Gabe’s been through a lot lately,” he stated, acknowledging Medina’s struggles. Slater reflected on the intensity of the competition, stating, “When you have a loss, it sucks. That was a very emotional heat,” revealing that the moment nearly brought him to tears. His high score was not just a reflection of his physical prowess but also of his deep emotional investment in the sport and his fellow competitors.

Just two weeks prior to this event, Slater and Miller announced the birth of their daughter via Instagram. The couple had also shared the news of their pregnancy in March 2024, delighting fans with a sweet black-and-white video that captured a moment of joy as they walked toward the sea. This period has been transformative for Slater, both in his family life and in his professional ambitions.

The heat against Medina was far from straightforward. Slater noted the challenges he faced going into the match, saying, “I knew going against [Medina] wasn’t going to be easy since he’s so savvy as a competitor.” In preparation, Slater employed breathing exercises to steady his nerves. His strategic mindset allowed him to concentrate on maximising his performance instead of focusing solely on Medina’s capabilities.

Reflecting on the emotional weight of the victory, Slater remarked on the significance of the experience, calling it “a great life memory.” He demonstrated a sincere camaraderie with Medina, acknowledging the unique narrative their competition creates within the sport. His perspective illustrates the emotional complexities inherent in competitive surfing, where personal challenges intersect with athletic performance.

Throughout his illustrious career, Slater has been crowned world champion an impressive 11 times, securing five of those titles consecutively from 1994 to 1998. His success at the Tahiti Pro is just one highlight among many, including five previous victories at this event from 2000 to 2016. His recent performance reinforces his status as one of the greatest surfers of all time, often referred to as the “GOAT” or greatest of all time.

Leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Slater’s recent triumph at Teahupo’o has garnered attention not only for his personal achievement but also for the competitive landscape of professional surfing. Fellow surfers have remarked on the formidable nature of the waves at Tahiti, reinforcing its reputation as a venue where surfers must be at the top of their game.

In an exclusive interview, professional surfer Griffin Colapinto described the challenges of surfing at this famed location, suggesting that it can either lead to disastrous outcomes or produce the “best wave of your life.” This duality of thrill and danger at Teahupo’o is a sentiment echoed by several top surfers who acknowledge both the beauty and the peril associated with its powerful waves.

As Slater continues to balance his responsibilities as a father with his competitive aspirations, this latest achievement stands as a testament to his enduring talent and passion for surfing. With an emotional and pivotal year behind him, fans and fellow surfers will undoubtedly be keen to see how he scales new heights in the future.