On Australia Day 2017 -- perhaps the most important of all Australian holidays -- three-time WSL World Champion Michael Eugene "Mick" Fanning was bestowed with one of his country's highest civilian honors: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) medal of honor. It's an award presented by the Australian government to individuals who've earned recognition for charitable works and distinguished service. Specifically, the 35-year-old was recognized for his "service to surfing as a professional competitor at the national and international level and as a supporter of a wide range of charitable foundations.
