Mark Richards awarded Midget Farrelly Lifetime Achievement award by Kelly Slater

Legendary Australian surfer Mark Richards believes the sports GOAT Kelly Slater still has the moves and drive to be on the medal dais at the Tokyo Olympics just two years shy of his 50th.

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Legendary Australian surfer Mark Richards believes the sports GOAT Kelly Slater still has the moves and drive to be standing on the medal dais at the Tokyo Olympics just two years shy of his 50th.

Richards, Australia’s four-time world champion being honoured Wednesday with the Midget Farrelly Lifetime Achievement award, says Slater has the skill and determination to end his career with a historic medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

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Slater has cracked open the door to a potential Tokyo Olympic appearance with Team USA in Japan in 2020 as the sport he has dominated for close to four decades prepares for its Games debut.

Former world surfing champion Mark Richards is only the second person after Layne Beachley to receive the Surfing NSW Midget Farrelly Lifetime Achievement award.

Kelly Slater and Mark Rochards at the Surf Ranch. Pic: WSL/Sherman

The 11-time world champion says if he finds himself in with a shot at making the team as one of the top two American surfers on the world tour this year he will contemplate prolonging his competitive career post his original 2019 deadline.

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“Where do your start with Kelly. What he has done is phenomenal,” said Richards, the only Australian male to win four world surfing crowns and only the second surfer to be awarded the prestigious Midget Farrelly award.

“We have alway though of surfing as a young sport where you are in your prime possibly to 30 because of the fitness and performance required.

Kelly Slater in full flight at the 2017 Pipeline Masters.

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Multiple worlod champion Mark Richards on wave at Sydney's Bronte Beach back in 1980’s.

“The mission of the young guys is to retire the old guys. He has turned the tables upside down. Kelly keeps going and retiring the younger guys in surfing.

“If that is a goal and a dream of his I and everyone involved in surfing would like to see that. There would be no better way for him to finish his career.

“If he is there, he will be going to win.”

A modest Richards, world champion between 1979 and 1982, will received his Surfing NSW Midget Farrelly Lifetime Achievement award from Slater before the American heads pulls on a rashie to surf his opening heat at the Vissla Sydney Surf Pro at North Steyne.

“I’m flattered and honoured and pretty excited about receiving the award,’’ said Richards, honoured for his contribution as a competitor and shaper.

“While it’s a recognition for what I have done there are always a lot of people who contributed to it and you can never thank them enough.’’