Molly Picklum back in World Surf League yellow jersey as race to world title ramps Up

After a rollercoaster year, Australian star Molly Picklum is peaking at the right time and a big win in Brazil came with a bigger prize.

Australian surf star Molly Picklum is the world No.1 again after ramping up her bid for a maiden world title in Brazil.

Picklum, 22, will take the yellow jersey to the next event on the World Surf League calendar at J-Bay in South Africa after advancing to the semi-finals in Brazil.

The heat is rising in the race for a spot in the final five who will contest the one-day world title event and Picklum is as well placed as she could be.

“That’s the best news ever,” Picklum said.

“I feel like, for me, I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years. I obviously heard all the talk of all the girls that I’m right at the top with getting knocked out, and it’s obviously a great opportunity for me.

Molly Picklum is world No.1 again. Picture: Camila Othon/World Surf League

“I felt all that for sure, but ultimately, I was just using it for good and to fire me up. I’m so happy, that’s sick, especially towards the end of the year.

“I want to keep pushing for sure.”

Isabella Nichols is the only other Australian woman in the top five, for now, after two-time world champion Tyler Wright dropped to seventh following her quarter-final loss in Brazil.

Ethan Ewing is the only Australian man in the top five, with Jack Robinson falling to number six after failing to progress beyond the elimination rounds in Brazil.

Originally published as Molly Picklum back in World Surf League yellow jersey as race to world title ramps Up