All the hard work and determination finally paid off for Aussie surfer, Mick Fanning, claiming his first ever World Surfing Championship Title and the Hangloose Pro. in Brazil.
Fanning out classed and out surfed the worlds best surfers, making this the biggest day of his career. The World Championship trophy is now on its way back to Australia for the first time in eight years.
Carving up the competition
There were three contenders left in the race for the World Title on the final day. Kelly Slater was the first to fall, taken down by Kai Otton, who eventually went on to take second place. Next was Taj Burrows, who faced Tom Whitaker in round four. Whitaker left Burrows needing an eight-point ride to win and, although a few potential waves came through, he was unable to make the grade, leaving Whitaker to win the heat. This put Burrows out of the title race and made Mick Fanning the 2007 World Champion.
The crowning of a king
Mick was mobbed by friends and fans and carried to the podium to be crowned World Champion in front of a huge and appreciative Brazilian crowd. He is the first Australian world champion since Mark Occhilupo in 1999.An incredible come-back
Mick Fanning suffered a huge blow two years ago, tearing his hamstring clear off the bone. From that point on, Mick has fought hard, not only to return to professional surfing, but to win a World Title.