Tweed surfer and ASP World Title winner Joel Parkinson is due home today. And his adoring fans aren’t limited to local beachgoers.
Acting prime minister and keen surfer Wayne Swan, together with sport minister Kate Lundy and Richmond MP Justine Elliot, chose today to congratulate Australian surfers on a triumphant year. Parko’s Pipeline victory completed an Australian clean sweep of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour and ASP World Junior honours in 2012.
Parkinson’s victory on the North Shore of Oahu completed a tremendous 12 months for Australian surfing with Stephanie Gilmore also claiming her fifth Women’s World Title in July and Jack Freestone and Nikki Van Dijk winning World Junior Titles in Bali in October.
Parkinson’s memorable day at Pipe was one of the most anticipated World Titles for many years. Ever the bridesmaid, he has travelled to the North Shore 12 times and finished second in the World Title race four times (2002, 2004, 2009, 2011) – twice to Andy Irons; and once each to Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater.
Gilmore’s fifth World Title placed her back on the mantle of women’s surfing. She was the first surfer to win four titles from four events from 2007 to 2010 but unfortunately missed out in 2011. Bouncing back in 2012 Gilmore had a huge year and her dominance ensured the World Title was never in doubt.
Wayne Swan said, ‘This is a magnificent result for Joel, and the entire Australian surfing family is absolutely thrilled for him’.
‘Joel’s story of persistence and hard work in the face of adversity over the years to achieve this World Championship is nothing short of inspirational,’ Mr Swan said.
Justine Elliot said this caps off a brilliant year for Australian surfing.
‘Both Joel and Steph have done Australia and Tweed Heads proud in 2012,’ Ms Elliot said.
‘Joel now joins Steph, Jack and Nicky in an illustrious club of Australian world champs, a position he fully deserves.’
Senator Lundy said the success of Freestone and Van Dijk in the World Junior Titles confirms that Australian surfing will continue to dominate in the future years.
‘At just 18 years old Freestone was the first Australian to win the Junior Titles in 10 years and at 17 years old Van Dijk’s win was the first time a Victorian won an ASP title,’ Senator Lundy said.
‘Surfing is an Australian icon and the Gillard government is proud of the achievements of our surfers and the inspiration they provide to future generations of surfers around Australia.’