Hawaiian John John Florence has captured a second successive world surfing title, completing his dream run in his own backyard at the famous Pipeline break.
Florence’s title was confirmed when his last surviving rival to the World Surf League crown, Brazilian Gabriel Medina, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the season-ending Pipe Masters.
Florence went into the final event of the year with a slender lead over Medina in the world rankings. Surviving beyond Medina in this contest meant the world title was his.
The 25-year-old Florence was born in Honolulu but grew up in a beach-side house at Pipeline and honed his incredible all-round skills at one of the world’s most difficult breaks, starring there at a young age.
There was a large party in the front garden at Florence’s house, including students from his old school who had been given the day off to see if their hero could hold on to his title. He didn’t disappoint and emerged covered in champagne after Medina was eliminated from the title equation.
“I’m still shaking right now, I don’t know what to say. I really wanted to win this one in Hawaii,” Florence said.
“I think I’ve learned a lot about how to deal with the pressure this year, especially with Gabriel being so close in the points.”[1]
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