In December, Stephanie Gilmore became the first surfer to win three consecutive ASP World Tour titles starting in her rookie year. Only 21, she’s already secured her place as one of the sport’s dominant athletes. Still, she has a long way to go before matching Layne Beachley’s seven tour titles or Kelly Slater’s nine. This March, Gilmore begins her quest for a fourth straight, on her home turf, Australia’s Gold Coast.
Three in a row. Do the other girls get jealous?
There are only 17 girls on the tour, so we’re all good friends. You know they’re stoked for you, but you also know they’re going “Ugh, I’m sick of her winning.”
Which win was the best one?
The first was a relief, because there was so much pressure. Last year was hard, because everyone was out to get me. But this year, winning at home as the world champ, that was the highlight.
Can you match Beachley?
After winning again, it seems a lot more achievable. But at the same time, I hear those comments and it kind of bums me out that people can’t enjoy what I’ve just done. Everyone is thinking about what can be done.
So you’re saying that you have a shot?
I love competing, and I love winning it’s such a good feeling. I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.