Coach Mick Fanning To Lead Australia To Olympic Gold?

Hate it or love it, surfing is now an olympic sport. It’s been over a day since the International Olympic Committee’s announcement, which should be adequate time for any sour taste to dissipate. So, let us begin speculation on how the hell this is going to look come 2020. Will the scoring or heat structure differ to the existing model ala World Surfing League? What about the rules around priority or equipment? Who’ll lead team USA, Australia or Brazil?

One man who’s showing early enthusiasm is three-time World Champion and surfing’s most talked about human, Mick Fanning. “I think it’s great the Olympics has recognised surfing because it is such a global sport these days and for the people lucky enough to be competing it will be very prestigious, so I am extremely happy,” he stated after hearing the news. “In four years time I don’t think I will be at the top of my game so I would be honoured to be a coach or mentor.”

Resume checks out alright Mr Fanning. Photo: WSL/Cestari

And who’s Mick foreseeing to be wearing green and gold for down under? “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; those guys along with your Matt Wilkinsons have to be making a strong case for selection,” he said.

In the women’s arena, he’s backing three in particular. “Stephanie Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright have been leading the way but we have a really good depth of field for the women’s team as well,” he mentioned, Australia owning 14 of the past 18 CT wins. 

“It’s been my dream to be an Olympian since I was eight years old,” Sally Fitzgibbons said on the announcement. “To think I now have the chance to work towards my goal is beyond exciting.