"Those are the rules": Kelly Slater barred from Australia
Surfing legend Kelly Slater has been told he will not be able to enter Australia without a Covid-19 vaccination.
The 11-time world champion has previously refused to disclose his vaccination status and spoken out about his exasperation about making the jab mandatory, but assured fans he's not anti-vax.
He has, however, publicly defended American podcast host Joe Rogan over dishing out dangerous health advice, and more recently blasted the Australian government over the decision to deport Novak Djokovic.
After Novak's highly publicised deportation last week, Slater took to social media to say, "maybe Stockholm Syndrome can now change its name to Melbourne/Australia syndrome", and "so much brainwashed hatred in people's hearts regardless of vax status".
After receiving backlash over his views, the surfing champ deleted the posts.
Despite his opinions, Slater now faces the same fate as Novak Djokovic, as he risks being barred from entering the country if he continues to refuse to disclose his vaccination status, unless he proves he is eligible for a legitimate exemption.
Slater is planning to enter Australia for the upcoming World Surf League championship events, which will take place in Victoria in April, before another event in Western Australia.
Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said Slater "has no chance of getting into the country" if he is not vaccinated.
"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," 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."
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