Michael Eugene Fanning AO is an iconic Australian professional surfer whose career has been marked by remarkable achievements and resilience. He first gained recognition in 2001 when he received a wild card entry at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, winning one of Australia’s premier surfing contests. Fanning quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, finishing 2002 as Rookie of the Year and earning a spot on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour as the World Qualifying Series Champion. His early success set the stage for a stellar career in professional surfing.

Fanning’s career reached new heights when he clinched the ASP World Title in 2007, 2009, and 2013. His 2007 victory was particularly significant, as he won the Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil, defeating renowned surfers Taj Burrow and Kelly Slater. Despite facing challenges, including injuries, Fanning’s determination and skill propelled him to reclaim the championship in 2009 and again in 2013, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite.

In 2015, Fanning faced a life-threatening shark encounter during the J-Bay Open finals, which garnered international attention. Remarkably, he emerged unscathed and returned to competitive surfing shortly after, demonstrating his unwavering spirit. He continued to compete at a high level, finishing second in the ratings that year and winning the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach in December.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Fanning has made significant contributions to the surfing community and environmental awareness. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2017 for his distinguished service to surfing and charitable foundations. In 2024, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, a testament to his legacy in the sport and his ongoing commitment to making a positive impact.