Fanning shapes up for finale
A DAY after announcing his retirement from elite competition, Mick Fanning says he is heading straight back into the water and the gym so he’s not a “fat, washed-up slob” for his final two surfing events.
Fanning said he owed it to himself, the sport and fans to give it his all at this month’s Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks and the following Roxy Pro at Bells Beach.
“I’m still getting ready for the first two events and excited to put in some good performances before I go. I don’t want to come in as a fat, washed-up slob,” said Fanning, who confirmed his retirement on Wednesday night.
“I’ll go to the gym, try and lose some kilos. I feel I owe that to the fans of the sport and the people who support me.
“I’m excited to go and compete knowing I will be done in a month and don’t have to go for the whole year.”
Fanning said while Snapper Rocks and Bells Beach were familiar turf, he was unsure if he could bow out of the sport with fairytale wins.
“I don’t know how I will go,” said Fanning, who won the Quiksilver Pro in 2007 and 2005 and the Roxy Pro Bells Beach in 2015, 2014, 2012 and 2001. “I’m not going to roll over for anyone but I probably won’t shoot them either.”
Fanning said he was tempted to make the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast his final hurrah.
“But Bells is a special place and where I started my career,” he said. “I love the magic down there. To finish at home would be awesome but I felt like I wanted to be part of the Australian leg for more than just one event.”