To talk about Andy Irons is to talk about one of the most important figures surfing has ever left us. This American, born in Oahu on July 24, 1978, who died at just 32 years of age, is undoubtedly a reference for surfers around the world.
This professional surfer's career could not have been less than spectacular, three-time world champion (2002, 2003 and 2004) on the ASP World Tour and with accumulated prize money of almost $1,500,000, Andy Irons was one of the most prolific figures this beautiful sport has ever left us.
Irons' career was filled with success, and from the very beginning, he accumulated awards and recognition around the world. For example, he won the Rip Curl Sea in Arica, Chile, in 2007, the Quiksilver Pro France on the South West Coast of France, the Nijjima Quiksilver Pro on Nijjima Island, and, among many other countries and trophies, the Rip Curl Bells Beach in Australia. It's also worth noting that the land of Andy Irons' birth also brought countless satisfactions to this spectacular surfer, and the awards he earned in his homeland are also extremely important. It can be said that Andy Irons knew how to be a prophet in his own land.
Without a doubt, Andy Irons set a standard and became a leading figure in surfing, so much so that his story is immortalized forever in the 2004 Billabong film, which focuses on the world of surfing and, specifically, on the contribution of this great surfer to it. Furthermore, this film about surfing and Andy Irons shows us another key aspect of Andy's surfing career: his rivalry with the other great surfer, Kelly Slater. A great rivalry between these two great surfers, both among the world's elite, has brought years and years of great passion and a fierce battle to be the best in this fantastic sport.
Sadly, Andy Irons' life was cut short on November 2, 2010, when his body was found at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Initially, his death was attributed to a worsening of the dengue fever the athlete had contracted, although definitive tests confirmed Andy's death as a result of a stroke caused by preexisting coronary artery disease combined with drug use. Andy apparently took a combination of drugs, a fact corroborated when methadone was found hidden inside bottles of tranquilizers.
The surfing world mourned the death of Andy Irons, and even his great rival, Kelly Slater, dedicated a victory he had achieved four days after his death to the memory of the brilliant surfer who had recently passed away. Such was the impact of Andy Irons' death that even the governor of Hawaii declared February 13th "Andy Irons Day." Andy Irons, a legend we will never forget
