World Champ Interviewed
Before he could get too far into celebrating his second World Title victory [or Micktory] we caught up with Mick and hit him with some quick questions…
Mick Fanning is the 2009 ASP World Champion. Getty Images
First up, congratulations. How are you feeling right now?
To be honest, right now I’m a little emotional. I won the title 2007 but I wasn’t sure how I’d feel the second time round, I thought I might have been a little more prepared but I wasn’t. I guess the circumstances were pretty incredible with Joel still in the running and when it was in the bag I was just really overwhelmed. It’s been a pretty intense lead-up to this moment, I’ve been trying to maintain my composure and focus but the truth is to be in that position the past couple of months has been pretty bloody stressful. I just can’t believe it is all over and I’m holding the World Title trophy again.
What was it like being out in the water at Pipeline with Joel as his heat and world title dreams came to an end and your dreams came true? [Joel had to make the Semi Finals of the Billabong Pipeline Masters to have a shot at the World Title but was beaten by wildcard Gavin Gillette in round 3, and as a result Mick claimed his second World Title]
I had mixed feelings. Obviously I was excited, I’ve had to fight so hard to get this win. But when Joel lost I really felt for him. He’s a good mate, as everyone knows, and for us to both vying for the World Title at the Pipeline Masters is a trip. At the end of it all one of us was always going to be on top of the world and the other was always going to be totally bummed. No matter what the outcome though, whoever didn’t get the title was always going to be the first person to congratulate the winner. It was great to have Joel paddle straight up to me in the line up after they announced the outcome. He had such an incredible year and if it wasn’t for him suffering an injury I may not have had the opportunity to get my comeback started. I know he’ll be right there again in 2010.
Joel congratulates Mick on his second title. Image: Showteet
After winning the World Title you had to surf your round four heat against another good mate of yours in Dean Morrison.
It was special to be in the title race with Joel and have him in the water when I won, but to have Deano out there too was insane. I went to school with both those guys, we spent weekends at each others houses surfing together, we’ve been battling in competition since we were groms and we’ve travelled the world together, they’re two of my best friends.
After winning the title it was really difficult to focus on the heat with Deano, I was trying to keep my head screwed on but I was all over the place and just looking forward to getting to the beach to celebrate with my wife, mum and friends. Deano got the win in that heat and I really hope he goes on to win the event. Joel’s a chance to win the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing so I hope the three of us can each take something from this last event. That would be epic.
It’s tradition when an Australian wins an event or title that their countrymen chair them from the waters edge to the podium without the champ’s feet touching the ground. Today you were chaired by Parko and Deano.
That was crazy. Joel was in the line up when I won and he congratulated me there but to have him come down to the shore break at the end of my heat and chair me up the beach with Deano was really special. That’s a moment I’ll never forget.
Mick gets chaired to the stage by Parko and Deano. © Getty Images
The day you won the ASP World Title in Brazil back in 2007 you said you had a good feeling about the day when you woke up. Did you have a similar feeling this morning?
Not at all. In 2007 I was a little further ahead of the pack and it hadn’t all come down to the last event so I don’t think I was quite as anxious. Today when I woke up I was super nervous and after seeing Joel’s performances on the North Shore this Winter I was convinced the battle was going to go right to the end of the event. I tried to shut out what Joel was doing and concentrate on my own heats and strategy. I surfed before Parko in Round 3 so that may have put some pressure on him but his heat was a quiet one for waves and that worked in my favour.
Was your late brother Sean in your thoughts today?
Sean is always in my thoughts and today he was right there with me again. In those big special moments I always think about him and I think it actually helps me relax a little. A second World Title will make him proud!
At the half way mark this year you had not made a final and Parko had gathered three wins from the first five events. How did you turn it around?
To be honest, after Joel won the event at Jeffreys Bay I started to wave the white flag. However, luckily we had a solid break after South Africa and I had some time at home to regroup. I’ve got an incredible support crew in my corner and with their help I was able to shift my thinking and I started to believe that with a couple of event wins I could get myself back in contention. I decided to compete in the US Open before Trestles and I made the final and that’s kind of when my good roll began.
After winning Trestles you took out France and then got your third win for the season at the Rip Curl Pro Search in Portugal. You looked to be unstoppable at that point.
I was feeling really good heading into the European leg: I had a magic board from DHD [Mick’s surfboard designer], I was injury free and I was all juiced up on confidence after my win at Trestles. I also had my wife with me for the first two events in Europe so that helped me take my mind off the massive task of reeling Joel in. I couldn’t have been better prepared for that leg. After winning France I stumbled in Mundaka but the conditions were horrible so I didn’t let it get me down. As soon as I got knocked from the Mundaka event I split for Portugal. I didn’t wait for anyone; I just piled all my stuff in the car and got out of there,
Portugal was epic because the waves were big, heavy and barrelling. Joel did well in that contest too and if Bede hadn’t been knocked him in the semi finals the race for the title might have been a lot closer coming into the Billabong Pipeline Masters.
Mick is congratulated by Kelly Slater. © Munday
How did you train for your successful Title campaign?
I’ve been working with CHEK Australia for some years now and 2009 was no different. I’ve got a good understanding of CHEK training and my practitioners know me really well, so they’re quick to identify what I need to work on physically and psychologically. I also trained with some of the high performance coaching staff at Red Bull this year and got a lot from what they had to offer.
The year is over for you now as far as events go and you’re now a two-time ASP World Champion. How will you celebrate?
I’d be happy to just sit and look at this trophy for a while and let it all sink in but we’ll party here on the North Shore tonight. Deano [Morrison] is getting married here in Hawaii so we’ll stay and celebrate with him and Alana and then do it all over again when we get home.
Mick has a good look at the trophy hoping it will all sink in. © Munday
Stay tuned for more from Mick plus photos and vid clips covering the title showdown and all the action from the Billabong Pipeline Masters.
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CONGRATULATIONS MICK ! ! ! ~
We all your supporters been believing this World Micktory 2009 is yours!!! Awesome! Thank you Mick!…
Laura said on December 13th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Well done mate, who says lightning doesnt strike twice.
jake said on December 13th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Mick you are a legend - we’ve watched every comp you’ve surfed in this year. We are so stoked for you ! Mick you Rock !
Rem & Coops
Remy & Cooper said on December 13th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
MickTorryyyyyyyyy 2009
abdelhamid elhamdouchi said on December 13th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Time to be Eugene till Feb. Enjoy and congrats!
RydrHi said on December 13th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
congratulation mick you are the best…. :D
elena said on December 13th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Congratulations Bro…
!!! You have given joy to many people ¡¡¡
Dotcom said on December 14th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I knew you were going to win it since you reached the finals and won on trestles. Congrats for your second title…I know that more will come!!
supporting you from Ecuador…thanks for all!!
Andres said on December 14th, 2009 at 3:28 am
Congratulations mick!!!
Wise that you were going to be the 2009 world champ, continue this way!!!!
A greeting
Michael said on December 14th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Congratulations mick !
You are the Best man , nº 1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Insane !!
felipe bento soares said on December 14th, 2009 at 5:08 am
Mick,Congratulations!! YES,YOU DID!!! I`ve been believed you get 2009 world champion title. MICK,YOU ARE SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tokyogirl @London said on December 14th, 2009 at 7:53 am
There was no doubt in my mind. I knew you were going to get it from the beginning. Congrats Mick.
Cheryl Strube said on December 14th, 2009 at 9:03 am
congrats mate, you make me want to surf everyday. well done and make sure you buy a few for parko. cheers seb
seb said on December 14th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Congratulations Mick !
Thomas said on December 14th, 2009 at 11:21 am
BOOM! Well done Mick!!! Your a fuckin inspiration!
Great to see you turn your year round & take your second tittle. I’ll drink to that & a few more from you. I have feeling Parko might get his hands on a couple aswell.
You & Parko are pretty much my favorite surfers on the tour. Lets see you 2 dominate for years to come!!!
By the way, just finished reading your book, which was also inspirational!
Respect
David Krazi said on December 14th, 2009 at 11:23 am
IT”S EUGENE TIME!!!!! CONGRATS MICK
Matt king said on December 14th, 2009 at 11:23 am
OMG Congratulations Mick!!!
What an epic year…you deserve it!!
Its been an honour to have watched you this year
All the best xxx
Tamara L Hunt said on December 14th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Congrats Mick, great to see an Aussie bringing back the title! Yeeww.
Hope you have a victory session at The Sands or Rainbow Bay Surf Club for all the punters! That would be epic.
Mike said on December 14th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Well done Mick. You are now a true Aussie sporting hero. If only your Panthers could follow your lead and win the NRL. Enjoy the celebrations and i will be having a few coldies for you.
Adam said on December 14th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
A huge shout out to ya’ Mick. Enjoy your Christmas with your girl. I know what makes a man, and its in whose company he chooses to keep. In your case, your one of the rare few who was chosen by her. I know the feeling mate, its better than any world title could possibly ever feel. And who knows, you’d probably be the first to admit you wouldn’t even know what a world title feels like without her! Keep up the good work broheim cause it only gets better, Raif
Ps. Forgive me for sounding like I know anything about a world title :-)
Raif said on December 14th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Congratulations Mick, Im stocked you won.
Hayley Smith said on December 14th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Hi mate, congrats for the world title and thx for the pic today at the Banzai Pipeline Beach. Cheers!
Thomas Ogi (Switzerland) said on December 14th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Congratulations Mick !!! So stoked to see you get your second!! Heres to many more!!!
daniel j said on December 14th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
aloha ….. bravo and congratulations…. big up to parko too
fred said on December 15th, 2009 at 2:45 am
Yeeww. Congrats Mick.
From all the Ventura/Santa Barbara Cali. GROMS!!!!
welll done!
Matty Parker said on December 15th, 2009 at 4:36 am
This was a awesome comeback, so it must feel really great to win it all. Congrats, from Portugal, super stoked to see you get your second!! GO MICK…
Mauro Gonçalves said on December 15th, 2009 at 5:05 am
Congrats Mick, we all know this tittle was Parko’s one, you were lucky, but even like that you deserved. Lucky is always following the good and well prepared guys like you! Have a good beer with Parko and put him up! What he wrote on his web site was something only a very good friend would do! What a class he showed! What a level of surf both of you showed us! Let’s rest and get ready for 2010, I can’t wait…. That’s gonna be an epic year also! All the best!
Tiago from Brazil said on December 15th, 2009 at 6:57 am
congratulations Mick………..well dan……im from brasil………..good surf ……………….you deserve every thing that its wappened to you………
go for the third one now…………….big fan from brasillllllll……….mick fanning asp champion 2009………………
marcelo ferreira said on December 15th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Yewwww
Congrats mick.. bummer about parko, but 2010 is lookin good.
Well done
nobody deserves it more considering how much effort you put in
You inspire me as a aussie east coast grom
Mick Fanning 2009 ASP World Champion
kieren said on December 15th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
on ya Mick YEOOOOW!!! done ya country proud mate carving everyone up ahahh , hope to see ya out at dbah no too far away , enjoy ya win man cut loose yeeeoww
Nick Allen said on December 15th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
good job mick i new all yr you would win your the best surfer on tour by far!
hope 2 see you at bells nxt yr
olly->
olly le clerc said on December 15th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Hey Mick!!!
Congratulations !!!!!!
You are the best.
Filipa said on December 16th, 2009 at 5:19 am
Congratulations from Chile!
Yeaaah Mick!
RipCurl Chile said on December 16th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Hey Mick
Congratulations you earned it and you deserve it.
Looking forward to title number 3! You can do it!
Sia Nasios said on December 16th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
congratulations mick !
you are the best !
Leo - Brazil said on December 16th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Bro, i have a photo of me and you on D-bah in march 2005 on my launch. Live in Oz for 3 years but i am from argentina and have follow your campaing all this years, and belive me, i always knew that you will make yourself a world champ. Big congrats, you are the champ again, and joel is a champ too bro. Good to share that stuff with your mates. Salud amigo. Peace and cold bear
pancho from argentina said on December 17th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
YES!!! lots of love for you here in Morocco Mick …congrats and i bet youre brother is looking down on you really proud…god bless you and the family
As salaam maleikom
omar said on December 19th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Good on ya Mick for doing ya own trip to win the title.
I was born in OZ, surfed the Goldie heaps and Sunshine Coast, Stradie, used to paddle to Mudjimba Island and surfed Frazer Island. You guys have wiped my previous post and let other country posts in. You don’t even suck.
Aloha
OZ said on December 19th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Thank you to everyone for their support. It is a great feeling when so many people get behind you. Now I am on holidays and enjoying the time off. But I know next year is just around the corner so I am excited to see what will happen next year. I guess the best thing about this title is that I had a blast. So thankyou all again
Mick
Mick Fanning said on December 22nd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ fanning congratulations
ezequiel said on December 23rd, 2009 at 2:56 am
Congrats Mick. also thank you very much for sharing you on the book Mick Fanning. it really inspired me. Enjoy snowboarding in Canada
Saki said on December 23rd, 2009 at 10:39 am
hey mick , congrats for your 2nd world title
num1 fan mikey
mikey mcdonagh said on December 26th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Well done Mick, you’re an inspiration to all us Aussies!!
Jye Lehmann said on January 4th, 2010 at 9:16 am
I’ve read your book twice. I got 2 copies 4 Xmas !
Totally loved it and your attitude and style and achievements in and out of the water
andy lee said on January 9th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
CONGRATS MICK!!!!! You rip bro, and your sandals are the heat !!
Rick said on January 12th, 2010 at 7:18 am
legend.
best surfer in the world
bring it back to the Goldy this year mate
michael said on February 10th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
bro congratulation for your second champion time,i would like to say that i enjoy your agressive surf style and the kind of music you hear,see you…
lincon mauriz said on February 22nd, 2010 at 9:39 am