Re-live the moment VIA WSL
ASB MAGAZINE: Stephanie Gilmore claimed a slice of history today at Honolua Bay, Maui: the thirty year old Australian clinched her 7thWorld Title with hundreds of locals looking on and fans worldwide coming together to celebrate the Queen of Surf. Gilmore is still in contention at the Beachwaver Maui Pro, and achieved her world title ambitions by advancing today, winning in classic 6-8′ conditions. The milestone was a historic one, setting a new bar for the sport and cementing Gilmore as the greatest of her generation. Now, with 7 World Titles to her name, Steph is tied with former Championship Tour competitor Layne Beachley for most women’s Titles in history. In addition, she’s won 29 Championship Tour events – second only to 11time world champion, Kelly Slater.
The race for the title came down to the final event of the 2018 WSL World Championship Tour. Gilmore needed to qualify for the semi-finals, or have fellow title race contender, Lakey Peterson, eliminated in the early rounds. The latter became a reality when Peterson faced Hawaiian wildcard, Alana Blanchard.
Whilst Peterson put up a good fight throughout the season, Gilmore was determined to maintain her position as leading contender since claiming her first win in Bells Beach Australia in March. Today, Gilmore solidified those intentions. With this win, she joins the ranks of the greatest female athletes in any sport or generation. The new World Champ won her first Title during her rookie season in 2007. She then went on to win three more consecutive Titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
“I don’t know how to feel,” said Gilmore upon hearing the news. “I wasn’t expecting this to happen right now. I can’t even believe it. It’s so cool. I’m dedicating this win to Pierre Agnes (former Quiksilver CEO who passed away at the beginning of the year). Surfing means everything to me. Ever since I was a little girl, surfing has been all I can think about. It’s my first love,” said Stephanie Gilmore
“I’m feeling the magic! Throughout this year I found a really nice balance in my headspace. I was able to just switch on and off when I needed to. I found those little triggers while in competition to find clarity under pressure. I just wanted it, I wanted it really bad, I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to get the best scores. I loved being around all the girls ripping. But I just had this really strong feeling that if I really applied myself I could go out there and take it.”
Commenting on the occasion, 11 time Men’s Champion and regarded as the greatest surfer of all time, Kelly Slater said; “In my eyes, it was never a doubt that Stephanie would win her 7thWorld Title. I truly believe she could win a dozen World Titles and I hope that she does, if that is what she wants. Steph is a real class act and inspires so many people. Today marks a huge feat but not a surprising one. It just feels like things are right in the surf world when she is winning.” Kelly Slater, 11x World Champion Surfer
Steph Gilmore is regarded by many as the most stylish surfer in the world, as she reveals unparalleled versatility and grace in the water. Out of the water, Stephanie likes to plug in her electric guitar, graces the pages of fashion magazines and moves with ease between surf and lifestyle unlike anybody else.
Gilmore is also a longstanding supporter of female athletes, opening the way for more visibility and recognition for women’s surfing day after day. In September 2018, she became the face of pay equality for pro surfing contests after a year internationally highlighted by ongoing conversations about the gender gap. Stephanie also gives back to the next generation of female pro surfers and is an inspiration and a mentor to all the young girls at ROXY, a brand that has sponsored her for 6 years and aims to empower women in all domains.
“Stephanie is an incredible role model, not only to female surfers but to young women everywhere. Her message of confidence, respect and her incredible competitive spirit make her an example for all. The entire ROXY family is extremely proud of Stephanie and congratulates her in this success.”– Emilie Souvras, Global General Manager, ROXY
Gilmore is set to surf in the Quarterfinals against Johanne Defay once the event resumes.
Stephanie Gilmore’s Championship Tour Career Rankings:
2018: 1st
2017: 2nd
2016: 6th
2015: 12th
2014: 1st
2013: 5th
2012: 1st
2011: 3rd
2010: 1st
2009: 1st
2008: 1st
2007: 1st
Check back tomorrow at 7:30am HST for the call. Watch live on Worldsurfleague.com, App and Facebook.
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About Stephanie Gilmore
Stephanie has dominated women’s professional surfing since she entered the scene in 2007 – winning a world title as a rookie and following with five titles in as many attempts – an accomplishment no other surfer, male or female, has achieved in the history of surfing. Beyond her seven world titles, Stephanie has 32 elite World Tour victories. For her triumphs, Stephanie has also been awarded both the Laureus World Sports Award in 2010, considered the most prestigious award in action sports worldwide, and has received two ESPN ESPYs for Female Action Sports Person in 2011 and 2013.
About ROXY
ROXY, a brand of Boardriders, Inc., has been empowering female pioneers since 1990. The first and only exclusively-female global action sports brand, ROXY specializes in the development and design of trend-leading, technically innovative lifestyle and performance wear inspired by the Mountain & the Wave. By creating first-of-its-kind products designed for surfing, winter sports, fitness and yoga & cultivating a breed of female pioneers who changed the course of sport, ROXY has empowered all women to challenge the status quo in every arena of their lives.
