Today, on Australia Day 2017 -- perhaps the most important of all Australian holidays -- three-time WSL World Champion Michael Eugene "Mick" Fanning was bestowed with one of his country's highest civilian honors: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) medal of honor. It's an award presented by the Australian government to individuals who've earned recognition for charitable works and distinguished service. Specifically, the 35-year-old was recognized for his "service to surfing as a professional competitor at the national and international level and as a supporter of a wide range of charitable foundations."
Mick Fanning's win at J-Bay in 2016 was remarkable on multiple levels. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
A "stunned" Fanning told the Australian press that the award "is right up there with the World Titles, I couldn't believe it, really. I'm chuffed [proud] and very honored." Although not often front-page news even in his home country, Fanning is noted for working with influential global organizations like Make a Wish and the Starlight Foundation.
Mick Fanning, Hurley Pro at Trestles. - WSL / Sean Rowland
Following the announcement, Fanning was over the moon, posting on Instagram to his nearly 1 million followers: "I'm freaking out! Beyond honored to be named an Officer of the Order of Australia today along with some amazing people. I love my country and its characters. Feeling so proud and happy right now." Fanning joined a long list of distinguished inductees, including iconic Australian indie rocker Nick Cave.
Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson are enjoying this off season at the Superbank more than most.
After enduring a tumultuous 2015 that included a shark attack at J-Bay, the death of his brother, Peter, and the end of his eight-year marriage, Fanning stepped away from pro surfing in 2016. "Enjoy today (and everyday!) with friends and family lapping up everything this beautiful country has to offer. Take a minute to remember how lucky we are to live in this amazing country and remember the traditional landowners. Enjoy!," he added on Instagram, clearly flabbergasted by the award.
Mick Fanning backs up a big score with an 8.37 and makes the run back up to the point in Round One.
Although Fanning has yet to fully commit to the 2017 WSL Tour, according to WSL Tour Commissioner Kieren Perrow, he has confirmed his decision to compete at the season kickoff event, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. The contest runs at his home break, Snapper Rocks. Fanning is a two-time winner of the Quik Pro and a logical favorite at a venue perfectly suited to his high-tempo, down-the-line attack.
From everyone at the WSL: Good on ya, Mick! You're a legend.
Mick Fanning Awarded Australia's Highest Civilian Honor
WSL
Today, on Australia Day 2017 -- perhaps the most important of all Australian holidays -- three-time WSL World Champion Michael Eugene "Mick" Fanning was bestowed with one of his country's highest civilian honors: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) medal of honor. It's an award presented by the Australian government to individuals who've earned recognition for charitable works and distinguished service. Specifically, the 35-year-old was recognized for his "service to surfing as a professional competitor at the national and international level and as a supporter of a wide range of charitable foundations."
A "stunned" Fanning told the Australian press that the award "is right up there with the World Titles, I couldn't believe it, really. I'm chuffed [proud] and very honored." Although not often front-page news even in his home country, Fanning is noted for working with influential global organizations like Make a Wish and the Starlight Foundation.
Following the announcement, Fanning was over the moon, posting on Instagram to his nearly 1 million followers: "I'm freaking out! Beyond honored to be named an Officer of the Order of Australia today along with some amazing people. I love my country and its characters. Feeling so proud and happy right now." Fanning joined a long list of distinguished inductees, including iconic Australian indie rocker Nick Cave.
After enduring a tumultuous 2015 that included a shark attack at J-Bay, the death of his brother, Peter, and the end of his eight-year marriage, Fanning stepped away from pro surfing in 2016. "Enjoy today (and everyday!) with friends and family lapping up everything this beautiful country has to offer. Take a minute to remember how lucky we are to live in this amazing country and remember the traditional landowners. Enjoy!," he added on Instagram, clearly flabbergasted by the award.
Although Fanning has yet to fully commit to the 2017 WSL Tour, according to WSL Tour Commissioner Kieren Perrow, he has confirmed his decision to compete at the season kickoff event, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. The contest runs at his home break, Snapper Rocks. Fanning is a two-time winner of the Quik Pro and a logical favorite at a venue perfectly suited to his high-tempo, down-the-line attack.
From everyone at the WSL: Good on ya, Mick! You're a legend.
Mick Fanning
Featuring Yago Dora, Filipe Toledo, Caio Ibelli, Ian Gouveia, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Gabriel Medina, Julian Wilson, Adriano de
Paul Fisher, Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Chelsea Hedges, Joel Parkinson, Mark Occhilupo, and Dean Morrison takeover
Icons of surfing take the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro by storm, celebrating Kelly Slater in a World Champ's Super Heat. A lineup that compiled
Former CT surfers Caroline Sarran and Tim Boal add their footprint and their name to the prestigious Anglet Surf Avenue alongside the likes
The 10th stop on tour and the final proving ground as the world's best look to clinch their spots in the Rip Curl WSL Finals. Take a look
News
The 18-year-old Luke Tema rose to the occasion at Sunset Beach and now prepares for another formidable field once more.
No stranger to righthanders with his WSL Longboard Tour experience, Kaniela Stewart now awaits the first WSL Longboard Regional QS on the
Natalia Wunderlich earned her spot on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour courtesy of this 9-point ride and now looks to push it on the North Shore
From a pair of 10-point rides courtesy of Kepa Mendia and Cannon Carr in the same heat to Taro Watanabe's 9.57, Day 2 was stacked.
Just when Day 2 was wrapping up from an action-packed Round of 64, Kepa Mendia and Cannon Carr closed it out with Perfect 10s to rattle