Close call inspiring Stephanie Gilmore’s chase for seventh world surf title

AUSTRALIA surfer Stephanie Gilmore says being beaten for a record-equalling seventh world crown by a single heat was like being “smashed in the face”.

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AUSTRALIA surfer Stephanie Gilmore says being beaten for a record-equalling seventh world crown by a single heat was like being “smashed in the face”.

But Gilmore admits the pain of the close call in December has also provided fresh motivation for the oldest surfer on the women’s tour, with the loss still “stinging” as she prepares for the start of the 2018 competition.

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Gilmore says season 2017 has played over and over in her head since she realised she had missed out on a seventh world crown to compatriot Tyler Wright by a single heat.

Stephanie Gilmore won the battle but not the war in teh final event of the 2017 world tour.

“A single heat, a single heat, that’s all,” Gilmore said.

“It was really disappointing I was just a heat away. I keep thinking of the one it might have been during the year.

“You live and learn. But it stings.

“These are the moments when I realise how much I love it. It was an exciting battle and that’s what I love. The pressure and excitement.”

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Gilmore said the closeness of the loss has added fuel to her 2018 campaign which could see her equal the great Layne Beachley’s record of seven world crowns if she can end Wright’s two-year reign as women’s world surfing champion.

“When you lose one as close as that you find that hunger pretty quick,’’ said Gilmore, the new face of YoPRO

“It kind of smashed me in the face.’’

Stephanie Gilmore can equal Layne Beachley’s record by winning a seventh world crown.

Adding pressure is the fact the world tour will be used as a qualification for the Tokyo Olympics with results over the next few years crucial to an athletes changes of being in Japan for the historic first ever surfing event in 2020.

Gilmore was part of a select group of established and up-and-coming athletes who attended an Olympic camp on the Gold Coast recently run by former professional surfer Bede Durbidge, who is running Australia’s Games campaign.

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“The Olympics adds another level, another goal you can set and aim for,’’ Gilmore said.

“It is truly special.

“The world title is the main focus at the moment but for the most part it (Olympic selection) will be based off the WSL rankings so it icing on the cake.’’

Stephanie Gilmore’s first event of the year will be the Roxy Pro.

Gilmore has made the unusual decision to bypass any competition prior to the first event of the world tour, the Roxy Pro at Snapper Ricks in March.

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Her major rivals for the 2017, Wright and Sally Fitzgibbons, are both contesting this weeks Surfest event at Newcastle.

The following event, the Sydney Pro, has also attracted a top field, including some of the best American surfers on the world tour.