Put me in, coach! Photo: WSL/Kirstin
When the news broke that surfing was going to be in the 2020 Olympic Games, it was a big deal. It’s a very divisive subject–surfing, after all, is a difficult thing to judge, and awarding someone a gold medal that means they’re the so-called “best surfer in the world” isn’t something to be taken lightly. I’m of the opinion that surfing can’t ever succeed in the Olympics without a major overhaul. Look for an article about that this weekend, if I’m not too lazy. But Mick Fanning is excited about the idea. Not to compete, though–to coach.
“In four years time I don’t think I will be at the top of my game so I would be honored to be a coach or mentor,” he said to The Guardian. Fanning didn’t need much time to let the world know his intentions. Within a few days of the official announcement, Fanning put his hand in the Olympic coaching pot. And he’s got good reason to do so. “If you have a look at the rookies that are on board at the moment like Jack Freestone, Stu Kennedy, Davey Cathels and Ryan Callinan,” he said, “those guys along with your Matt Wilkinsons have to be making a strong case for selection.”
It’s not just the guys, either. Many of Australia’s leading women are just as excited about it. “It’s been my dream to be an Olympian since I was eight years old,” said Sally Fitzgibbons said. “To think I now have the chance to work towards my goal is beyond exciting. We have such a rich surf history within our country and the Olympic dream is a huge incentive for all our Australian surfers to aim for over the next four years.”
Add Fitzgibbons to the stacked roster including Steph Gilmore and Tyler Wright, and you’ve a hell of an Olympic team. “We would have a solid team and I feel like we would flog everyone, so it would be amazing,” said Tyler Wright.
