Saturday, August 1, 2009

ESPN newsmagazine to feature surfer with Asperger's Aug. 4

From Global Surf News:

ESPN's award-winning primetime newsmagazine E:60 will feature an in-depth profile of professional surfer Clay Marzo (pictured) in the episode airing Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. ET.

The program, which launched in October 2007, combines investigative reporting, in-depth profiles of intriguing sports personalities and features on emerging star athletes. These stories are presented in a fresh and innovative format that incorporates producer/correspondent meetings.

Despite the challenges he faces from autism, Clay Marzo is one of the most gifted and creative surfers in the world. E:60’s Lisa Salters examines the 20-year-old Marzo’s incredible skills in the water and what he faces on land as a result of Asperger Syndrome, a high functioning form of autism.

His spontaneous, unpredictable and creative style has earned him three NSSA National surfing titles, a nomination for Maneuver of the Year at the 2007 SURFER Magazine Poll and Video Awards and video spots in the biggest surf movies of this decade. Only recently diagnosed with Asperger, the realities of life as an elite pro surfer, including the constant travel and media demands, are not easy for Marzo. But he is taking on his difficulties as he tries to determine if he has a place in the world of competitive surfing.