World No.1 Stephanie Gilmore going on attack as she hunts seventh world surfing crown
SHE might be No.1 in the world but Stephanie Gilmore says she can’t afford to relax for a minute despite getting off to a flying start to the world surfing tour.
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SHE might be No.1 in the world but Stephanie Gilmore says she can’t afford to relax for a minute despite setting up her bid for a seventh world crown with one of her best starts to a world surfing tour.
A competitive Gilmore is annoyed she won’t leave Australian shores with two wins from three events after finishing runner-up to Courtney Conlogue at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach last week.
But she admits she is thrilled she is yet to post a “throwaway’’ as the world tour leaves Australian shores for the first time in 2017.
“I’ve been staying true to my type of surfing as well and that is really pleasing,’’ said Gilmore, who has posted a first, third and second in the opening events of the year.
“I’m leading but it’s close. I love that. I love to be challenged. I love to push myself.
“Some people would say this start has taken the pressure of for me but I know better than anyone, it’s a long year.
“You just can’t afford to stop being on the attack.’’
Gilmore said she is excited about the challenge of winning a record seventh world crown.
“I just love performing. Love it more than anything,’’ she said.
Australians Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright head into the fourth event of the world tour in May filling the top three positions on the world tour for the first time in years.
“It’s great to see the Aussies on the attack,” Gilmore said.
The world title race looks to be a battle between Australian and American surfers this year with Conlogue, Lakey Peterson and world champion Carissa Moore the next best ranked surfers.
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