Surfing legend Kelly Slater has confirmed he will compete in Australia despite question marks over his vaccination status.
The eleven-time world champion, who hasn’t revealed his vaccination status, was highly critical of the Australian Government’s handling of Novak Djokovic’s failed bid to enter the country for the recent Australian Open.
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“Maybe Stockholm Syndrome can now change its name to Melbourne/Australia syndrome,” Slater said last month on social media.
“If you’re vaccinated why are you concerned/worried about anyone else’s status … unless, of course, it doesn’t protect you? Or you’re scared you’ll catch it or upset you had to take the risk of vaccination yourself.
“So much brainwashed hatred in people’s hearts regardless of vax status.”
Currently, Victoria and Western Australia are scheduled to host two World Surf League (WSL) championship events in April and May.
And while it’s been reported that Slater so far hasn’t been handed any exemptions to enter the country to compete, it appears the 50-year-old may in fact be vaccinated.
He confirmed today he will be competing in Australia.
“I’ll see you in Australia,” Slater said
“(My vaccination status) is an important question, and there’s a reason I’m not talking about it that is personal.
“I do believe that medical privacy is a real thing. But I think my answer that I’ll see you in Australia answers that.”
The World Surf League currently doesn’t have a vaccination mandate in place, but competitors have been encouraged to get jabbed due to the travel challenges.