Radio Australia Today Editorial

Stephanie Gilmore. Third time world surfing champ.

18 December 2009

A fabulous woman with shining eyes came into the studio for a chat today.

Stephanie Gilmore, who has just won her third Women’s World Surfing title, arrived home in Australia late last night, but was out first thing this morning, with her Cup in hand, talking to the media about the experience of winning the title for the third time.

The first time she won was in her rookie year, 2007, when as a fresh 18 year old, she took on the world and won.

Apart from her beauty and the huge cup she carried with her, the thing that struck me about Steph was the shine in her eyes. Surfers are close to the ultimate athletes. They take their life in their feet every time they hit the board; they have to use every single muscle in their body to do it; they are in touch with the elements; and they have to show a little bit of art in their riding.

Even early in the morning after a long flight, she made me look like I was the one who was sleepy.

Did I mention that Steph is only 21 years old. She told me that she feels she could go on surfing until into her thirties. If she can (and there’s no reason to think she can’t) that would well and truly overtake Layne Beachley’s record number of world titles.

Which is an amazing seven.

- Phil Kafcaloudes