Australian surfing phenom Stephanie Gilmore has claimed a record-equalling seventh world surfing championship in Maui early this morning, matching the all-time mark set by fellow Aussie Layne Beachley.
An early exit from today’s season-ending Maui Pro event by Gilmore’s chief rival Lakey Peterson meant Gilmore secured the 2018 world championship, following on from previous world title wins in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014.
Congratulations @Steph_gilmore, 2018 WSL World Champion! 7x 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 @jeep #Steph7 pic.twitter.com/QyV9hI4ALb
— World Surf League (@wsl) November 26, 2018
Gilmore’s seventh title equals the mark set by Beachley, who won her seventh world championship in 2006, the year before Gilmore broke through to win her first world title. Still aged just 30-years-old, it’s expected that Gilmore will eventually break Beachley’s record for most women’s surfing world titles, and will potentially mount a charge towards Kelly Slater‘s overall mark of 11.
Gilmore secured the 2018 crown in the early stages of the Maui Pro, advancing through to the third round of the 12-day competition earlier this morning.
The Tweed Heads-based pro gave an emotional interview after officially being crowned World Champion following her dominant performance in the opening stages of the Maui Pro a short time ago, paying tribute to Beachley for “setting the standard.”
An emotional interview with 2018 World Champion, @Steph_gilmore 🏆
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.#BeachwaverMauiPro @TheBEACHWAVER @Jeep pic.twitter.com/yj7EdaL0s2— World Surf League (@wsl) November 27, 2018
It is an honour to sit beside you, Layne. To equal you is such an honour.
Thank you so much, thanks for setting the standard.
Hell yeah, Steph! Absolutely get around her.
