Award and the 2011 ESPN ESPY Female Action Sports Person of the Year. Her induction as the 35th member of the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame adds to Stephanie’s burgeoning list of accolades. But it is an achievement that sits somewhat awkwardly with her. “This is such an honour,” Stephanie said. “Everyone in the Hall of Fame has had such an incredible impact on the world of surfing and to be included in that is unreal. “I always feel like these awards are premature for myself, because I’m nowhere near retiring but it is very flattering and I love that my achievements in surfing are being recognised on larger scales.” As a grommet growing up in Kingscliff, Stephanie said it was always a thrill to regularly see fellow inductee and 1964 World Champion Phyllis O’Donell. “I do love the old stories of the surf culture and the impact it had on the lives and fashions in generations of that time. And I love that Phyllis O’Donell was the first ever crowned World Champion because they crowned the women first, and she is from the same area that I grew up surfing. “I was always stoked to see her around Kingscliff when I was growing up.” Recently turned 25 but already with a lifetime of experiences, Stephanie said it was difficult to highlight one standout moment from her short but eventful career. “There are so many special moments. “Surfing perfect Honolua Bay and winning a World Title there was exactly why I love being on Tour. Winning a Laureus Award was also the coolest. Sharing a World Title with Kelly, Mick and Joel is something that I really cherish too.” Despite her domination of last year’s Tour and with her sights firmly set on a sixth World Title, Stephanie is always wary of the ever-present dangers and amazing depth of talent on the Women’s World Tour. “The Women’s Tour has become a beaut iful monster. “The girls are surfing with power and style and they all carry themselves so well around events. It’s getting better every year.”
?I love
achievements recognised on larger scales ?
Left: All poise at Backdoor Pipeline (Photo: ASP/Cestari)
that my
in surfing are being
crown that year to Hawaiian Carissa Moore but it fuelled a competitive fire inside and she emerged in 2012 with a fierce determination and swept back to the top in a blistering year to claim her fifth World Title. In so doing, she became only the third surfer in the history of professional surfing to win five or more World Titles after seven-times champion Layne Beachley and 11-times World Champion Kelly Slater. A marvellous ambassador for Australian surfing on the world stage, Stephanie continues to win international accolades including the 2010 Laureus Action Sports Person of the Year
Celebrating a fifth World Title (Pic: ASP/Aquashot)
Stephanie Gilmore is joined on stage by members of the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame to be inducted as the 35th member
Winter 2013 |
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