- 11-times world surfing champ Kelly Slater to compete in 2012 Telstra Drug Aware Pro
- Slater entry completes best field ever including 4-times world women's champ Stephanie Gilmore
In a massive coup for Margaret River, surfing legend Kelly Slater will be back next month to compete in the Telstra Drug Aware Pro.
Announcing Slater's entry, Premier Colin Barnett said the 11-times world champion completed a star studded line-up, regarded as the best in the event's history and possibly the strongest non World Championship Tour surfing event field ever assembled.
"It is not a cliche, Kelly Slater is a living sporting legend and to have him back at Margaret River is fantastic news for the event and the region," Mr Barnett said.
"Kelly's appearance at the 2011 Telstra Drug Aware Pro gave the event a tremendous boost, with record attendance and media coverage, and this year should be no different.
"With four-times world champion Stephanie Gilmore heading a strong women's field, fans are guaranteed a feast of spectacular surfing."
Slater's entry means all of last year's top four male surfers will compete at Margaret River next month, with Joel Parkinson, Owen Wright and Taj Burrow already confirmed starters, along with reigning Pro champion Damien Hobgood, Josh Kerr, two-times world champion Mick Fanning, and exciting young guns John John Florence and Kolohe Andino.
Joining Gilmore in the women's draw are former world champion Sofia Mulanovich, reigning Pro champion Courtney Conlogue, Pauline Ado and Laura Enever.
The Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River is proudly supported by the State Government, through Eventscorp and Healthway.
"This is one of Western Australia's marquee events, providing a major boost to tourism in Margaret River and great exposure for the region through valuable national and international media coverage," the Premier said.
"It's also a tremendous platform to spread the Drug Aware message. Congratulations to Surfing WA for pulling together another world-class event."
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