Fanning departs in style

THERE were tears, cheers, back slaps, bear hugs and, because it was Mick Fanning, one final act of good sportsmanship.

One of Australia’s most loved and respected athletes fell just short of a fairytale finish at Bells Beach yesterday, beaten in his last world tour event but bowing out a winner in the Rip Curl Pro.

While the crowd was there to witness the triple world champion surf at Bells for the final time, it was Fanning who led the applause for the Brazilian who denied him a dream finish to his 16-year career on the world tour.

It was also Fanning who warmly embraced Italo Ferreira on the water and then wait- ed for him to be chaired up the beach — the honour afforded to event winners — before accepting his own ride from tour mates Joel Parkinson and Tyler Knox.

“That was probably the moment that stood out for me today, being chaired by those two,” Fanning said.

Multiple world champion Stephanie Gilmore said Fanning played a vital role in her claiming a first Rip Curl women’s crown in seven years as well as the world No.1 spot.

Gilmore’s 27th world tour win, a nailbiting victory over Tatiana Weston-Webb, ended the longest winning run by US surfers on the tour.

Gilmore said she drew from Fanning’s sense of calmness as he surfed to second. “He has that calming aura,” she said.