‘You ain’t coming’: Lambie shreds Kelly Slater as anti-vax stance may lock him out of Australia

Kelly Slater has copped criticism for his wild anti-vax views and the surfing icon has been warned he won’t be let into Australia.

Kelly Slater has “no chance of getting into the country” if he remains unvaccinated ahead of World Surf League (WSL) events in Australia, Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said.

The Age reports Minister Colbeck said he has seen anti-vaccination comments made by the surfing legend and warned his chances of competing Down Under were non-existent unless he gets the jab.

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“I reckon he knows the rules. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a surfer, or a tennis player, a tourist or anyone else, those are the rules. They apply to everyone,” Mr Colbeck said.

“I don’t like the chances of him competing in Victoria, and I’d hate to think of what the chances were of him competing in Western Australia.”

The Rip Curl Pro at Victoria’s iconic Bells Beach and the Margaret River Pro in Western Australia are both scheduled for April but Slater and world No. 1 Gabriel Medina have not said if they are vaccinated.

The WSL has already informed surfers there will be difficulties competing on tour and travelling around the world if they do not get vaccinated. The organisation’s Asia-Pacific general manager Andrew Stark told Nine newspapers it would “stringently follow the set government entry guidelines of each country we visit for our events”.

“We encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated and have advised everyone associated with the WSL that unvaccinated individuals may face significant challenges as they travel around the world and may be prohibited from entering certain countries,” Stark said.

Speaking on Today, Senator Jacqui Lambie set Slater straight.

“You might want to tell Kelly Slater we are not the only country putting our foot down on this,” Lambie said.

“These sports people need to realise most countries over the next few months, that is where it is going. Unless you are double-vaxxed and lining up for your booster, you ain’t coming. That happened last week to another sports star.”

Kelly Slater may not be coming Down Under. (Photo by Sonny Tumbelaka / AFP)

Slater hit out as unvaccinated tennis superstar Novak Djokovic had his visa cancelled and his hopes of winning a 10th Australian Open dashed.

“Maybe Stockholm syndrome can now change its name to Melbourne/Australia syndrome,” Slater posted on Instagram earlier this month. “It’s sad to see the celebrated division by the ‘virtuous’ vaccinated.

“If you’re vaccinated why are you concerned/worried about anyone else’s status ... unless, of course, it doesn’t protect you? Or you’re scared you’ll catch it or upset you had to take the risk of vaccination yourself.

“So much brainwashed hatred in people’s hearts regardless of vax status.”

Slater came under fire in October for sharing divisive anti-vaccination advice on social media as he spoke out against the Covid-19 jab and shared disinformation as to why vaccines were not safe.

The 11-time world champion is the greatest surfer in history and has been victorious at Bells Beach four times. As Slater, 49, edges towards retirement, his vaccination status may rob him of the chance to farewell Australian surfing fans in style.

Originally published as ‘You ain’t coming’: Lambie shreds Kelly Slater as anti-vax stance may lock him out of Australia