Kelly Slater, Best Athlete of All Time? By Grind TV

Aliso Viejo, California/USA - Kelly Slater (USA), 38, past nine-time ASP World Champion, just wrapped up his 43rd elite ASP World Tour contest victory by winning the Hurley Pro at Trestles, vaulting the timeless natural-footer back atop the ASP World Title race lead after nearly two decades of competition amongst the world’s finest surfers. So, after maintaining a top position amongst the globe’s best surfers for an unheard of amount of time, the question is – is Kelly Slater the greatest athlete of all time? Grind TV searched the history of all sports with a fine-tooth comb and could not find anyone who has matched Slater’s accomplishments. This… is their story…

Nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater won the Hurley Pro Saturday at Lower Trestles, the same San Clemente, Calif. venue where he won his maiden victory as a pro nearly 20 years ago to the day.

Of course, if and when any mention of his win makes the mainstream sporting press in the U.S. it’s likely to be shoehorned between coverage of the latest hot dog-eating contest and a brawl between college mascots.

Yet this win in particular should be acknowledged because it marks a milestone in sports that’s rarely — if ever — reached. I’m biased, of course, so I’ll ask you to shoot my theory down by answering the following question off the top of your head: Please name an athlete — any athlete — who’s been the dominant force in their respective sport for a span of two decades?

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