What makes Sally Fitzgibbons and Trent Merrin work as a sport power couple

SALLY Fitzgibbons has revealed the role fiance Trent Merrin is playing in her re-emergence as a major player in the battle for surfing’s world crown.

Trent Merrin with surfer Sally Fitzgibbons at Bell's Beach back in 2014.

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SALLY Fitzgibbons has revealed the role fiance Trent Merrin is playing in her re-emergence as a major player in the battle for surfing’s world crown.

Fitzgibbons ended a long winning drought dating back to May 2015 when she won the Margaret River Pro world tour event last weekend.

In doing so she beat reigning world champion Tyler Wright in the final to claim equal No.1 billing on the women’s world rankings with fellow Australian Stephanie Gilmore.

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Sally Fitzgibbon is chasing her third win at Bells Beach. .

Fitzgibbons said family and fiance, Penrith Panthers lock Merrin, are a constant and crucial source of strength to her as she battles to refind more winning form.

But as a fellow athlete, Merrin knows better than anyone when she need his support and words of encouragement most.

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“It’s amazing having Trent and his support,” Fitzgibbons said. “He always has such a belief in me.

“He makes me feel like everything is possible.”

Sally Fitzgibbons and Trent Merrin are big supporters of each others sporting careers.

Fitzgibbons said there is a definite advantage with Merrin also being an elite athlete.

“We both feel those up and downs as athletes,” he said. “It is so much easier to do it together. He’s amazing.”

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Sally Fitzgibbons is chaired to the podium as the winner of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro. Pic: WSL.

Fitzgibbons last year finished eight on the world tour - her worst ever result as a pro surfer.

Many blamed the result on Fitzgibbons being distracted by her numerous business endeavours out of the water, including the Train Like Sally fitness programs and running her own world qualifying tour event at Cronulla late last year.

But Fitzgibbons is adamant she can balance both her business and surfing careers as she chases a maiden world title.

“I’ve never given up the dream of owning one,” Fitzgibbons said.

Trent Merrin was with Sally Fitzgibbons at the 2014 event at Bells Beach.

Fitzgibbons has a strong history of performance at the Rip Curl Pro, the longest running event on the world surf tour.

She is a two-time former winner at Bells Beach in 2011 and 2012 and last year finished runner-up to American Courtney Conlogue at the Victorian surf spot.

Fitzgibbons, despite injuring her foot, has made it into the quarter-finals this year.