Mick Fanning is set to return to competitive surfing in 2022.
The World Surf League has announced the three-time World Champion has been awarded a wildcard for next month’s event at Bells Beach.
“Bells is the wildcard I really wanted,” Fanning said.
“Obviously, I did Narrabeen last year but Bells is the one I was really aiming for. It’s a place that is really close to my heart, and if I was ever going to take a wildcard, it would be there, so I’m pretty fired up.
“Personally, I really like the wave at Bells. The speed of it, the wide open canvas, and the fact that it is a right hand point break. I love everything that comes with Bells, the history, the cliffs, the gathering of everyone down in the car park. It’s so awesome. It’s something that sits in my heart.”
Fanning retired from professional surfing in 2018 after 17 years of competition with 22 CT victories, 11 Top 5 finishes, and three World Titles, cementing him as one of the greatest surfers and sportsmen in history.
“To go and ring the Bell for the fifth time, no one has ever done it apart from Gail Couper,” Fanning added.
“During my career I got close, but right now I just want to focus on putting on a good performance. My preparation when I was on Tour was non-stop training but this time around I’ve just been focusing on my surfing and making sure it’s up to the level of the best in the world.”
