A King Without a Crown
That could end up being the case for surfer Piccolo Clemente. Although the Huanchaco native became world longboard champion for the second time in his career on Wednesday, the chances of being recognized with the sport's highest honor, the "laureles deportivos" awarded by our country, seem to be distant. At least for now.
In March of this year, the Council of Sports Justice and Honors (CSJDHD), the entity responsible for deciding to grant the "laureles deportivos", denied his first request for recognition after winning the Longboard World Championship in December 2013.
The reason? The tournament was organized by the World Surfing League (formerly the Professional Surfing Association) and this is not the world governing body for surfing recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The one recognized by the IOC is the International Surfing Association, known as ISA.
There can be no greater joy than becoming World Champion again and giving this trophy to my country. pic.twitter.com/YOhBlO3ekH
— Piccolo Clemente (@bclemeter) December 9, 2015
Crossed criteria
The truth is that, beyond the technicalities, it is known that titles from the WSL have much greater sporting value than those from the ISA, as the level of competition in the former is much higher. Kelly Slater, the best surfer in history, for example, competes on the professional circuit and does not participate in ISA tournaments. The best in the world go to the WSL, only a few go to the ISA.
Now that Piccolo Clemente has won the WSL Longboard World Championship again - competing against the best in the world and defeating another two-time world champion in the final - it wouldn't hurt to reconsider the criteria. He already has the title of king, he just needs his crown.