Stephanie Gilmore Stuns at Gold Coast Pro Amidst Extended Hiatus

Veteran surfer Stephanie Gilmore made a triumphant return to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, clinching a victory at the Gold Coast Pro. Despite her impressive performance, Gilmore has announced she will extend her break from full-time competition to focus on healing from injuries.

Key Takeaways

• Stephanie Gilmore won the WSL Gold Coast Pro, defeating Caitlin Simmers.
• Gilmore has decided to extend her hiatus from the WSL Championship Tour for a second season.
• She aims to focus on healing and exploring surfing globally, with a wildcard granted for the 2026 season.

Gilmore’s Dominant Return

Stephanie Gilmore, an eight-time world champion, showcased her enduring talent at the Gold Coast Pro, her comeback event. In a closely contested heat, she narrowly defeated Caitlin Simmers, scoring 12.84 points to Simmers’ 12.50. This victory highlighted that Gilmore, despite her time away, has lost none of her competitive edge.

A Strategic Hiatus

Following her win, Gilmore confirmed her decision to sit out the upcoming WSL Championship Tour season. "After careful consideration, I’ve decided to take another season away from the WSL Tour," Gilmore stated. "This time will allow me to focus on healing from some lingering injuries and redirect my energy toward continuing my adventures of surfing around the globe." The WSL has granted her a wildcard for the 2026 season, allowing her to pursue a record-extending ninth world title.

Broader WSL Landscape

Gilmore’s extended break means her spot on the women’s tour will be filled by Luana Silva of Brazil. Other notable Australian surfers like Molly Picklum, Tyler Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Isabella Nichols will compete on the tour. On the men’s side, reigning champion John John Florence is also taking a break to focus on new projects and exploring different waves, with a wildcard return planned for 2026. Gabriel Medina will miss the start of the season due to surgery, while 52-year-old Kelly Slater has received a wildcard for the Pipeline Pro.

Sources

• Veteran Surfer Stephanie Gilmore Defeats Caitlin Simmers at WSL Gold Coast Pro, Sports Illustrated.
• Stephanie Gilmore extends break from World Surf League to ‘focus on healing’ | Surfing, The Guardian.