News

August 02, 2009
KELLY SLATER NAMED LAUREUS WORLD ACTION SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Kelly Slater was deprived last week of the U.S. Open of Surfing title, but he received a hefty consolation prize of sorts Sunday.

Tony Hawk and Robby Naish presented the legendary surfer with the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award at the X Games in Home Depot Center.

Slater received the honor for the second time in three years. Previously winners include Tiger Woods and Michael Phelps.

"It's a huge honor," Slater told The Times. "Those guys are so visible, more visible than anyone in the world of sports. So to be in some way on that level as far as being nominated for something is very nice."

Slater was given the award before the start of the Skateboard Park Legends final.

Slater, who visited the X Games at Home Depot Center this weekend for the first time, said he was surprised by the set-up at X-Fest.

"Just the infrastructure -- how much stuff they build here and then they gotta take down when it's done," he said. "Somehow we should lobby to have this park stuck here forever.

"It’s crazy. And then they rip the thing down. It’d be nice to see it remain here permanently."

-- Mario Aguirre from Home Depot Center

Photo: Kelly Slater poses with the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award that was presented to him at X Games 15. Credit: Kevin Terrell/Getty Images for Laureus

Los Angeles Times