Roxy Pro 2016: Stephanie Gilmore hoping history on her side in world surf title chase
IF surfing her home break wasn’t motivation enough then six-time world champ Stephanie Gilmore only needs to take a look at history to fire up ahead of the Roxy Pro.
IF surfing at her home break wasn’t motivation enough then six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore only needs to take a look at history to fire up ahead of the opening event of the World Surfing League.
The 28-year-old is preparing to dive back into the WSL competition arena after almost a year off with injury when the Roxy Pro begins at Snapper Rocks as early as today.
Gilmore admitted to a case of nerves ahead of her first real test in 2016 but says she knows the importance of performing well in her return to the world tour.
“You only have to look at history to see winning this event is a big advantage in a world title race,’’ Gilmore said.
In fact just once in the past seven years has the winner of the Roxy Pro not gone on to win the world title.
Gilmore won both the Roxy Pro and the world crown of surfing in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Hawaiian Carissa Moore achieved the double in 2011 and 2015.
Only Tyler Wright, looming as a major contender for the world crown this season, has won the Roxy Pro and not gone on to win the world title the same year after she beat Sally Fitzgibbons for the Gold Coast trophy back in 2013.
“There‘s a lot on the line for everyone here,’’ Gilmore said.
“I feel great but I’m definitely a little nervous. But I like to start the year with a few nerves.’’
For the first time since 2004 an Australian female surfer failed to finish in the top two on the world surfing rankings in 2015 with Moore and American compatriot Courtney Conlogue dominating.
Gilmore said she expects the American domination last season to motivate her and her fellow Australians throughout 2016.
“I think it will really inspire all the Australian girls to lift,’’ Gilmore said.
The Roxy Pro is running currently with the Quiksilver Pro, which will be one of the few world surf league events triple world champion Mick Fanning will contest this year.
This leaves the likes of Joel Parkinson and Julian Wilson as Australia’s heavy hitters in the race for the men’s world crown of surfing.
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