Surfing legend Kelly Slater won't compete at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Surfing legend Kelly Slater, seen by many as greatest of all time, won't be competing at Tokyo Olympics. 47-year-old American was edged for a spot on US squ for sport's Olympic debut next July, with John John Florence returning from knee surgery to edge Slater for final spot at an event in Hawaii on Thursday. Slater, an 11-time world champion who became youngest and oldest to win crown, inspired a generation of surfing stars with videos of his amazing efforts becoming must-see viewing for fans and competitors.

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Competing as an Olympian would have been an epic farewell for a 40-year career than began at eight in a youth event but inste he will be watching event. "I'm going to enjoy it as a spectator," Slater told New York Times, dismissing any tion he would end his career early after missing out on Olympics. "Be sure that in 2020, y will continue to see me at top of a wave," he ded.

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Slater needed a victory at Pipeline Masters on Oahu's rth Shore to secure title but lost in semi-finals, leaving him ranked eighth in world but one spot behind 2016 and 2017 world champion Florence, who took second US men's team spot behind alrey qualified Kolohe Andi. Florence, an Oahu rth Shore native 20 years younger than Slater, was a former protege of surf icon. "He has been my idol since I was a child," Florence said. "He's like a member of my family, like an uncle." Florence, who missed five of 11 tour events this year with a knee injury, returned for season finale but was eliminated in Pipeline quarter-finals. He sealed his Olympic spot when Slater lost to Brazil's Italo Ferreira in semis. 

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