Young surfer Keely Andrew awarded WSL Rookie of the Year
SHE deferred a uni degree to pursue a dream and now Keely Andrew has shown she has the right moves to join Australia’s long list of world surfing champions in the future.
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SHE deferred a university degree in sport psychology to pursue a dream and now Keely Andrew has shown she has the right moves to join Australia’s long list of world champions in the future.
A delighted Andrew was named World Surf League Rookie of the Year after a stunning finale to her rookie year on the world surf tour in Hawaii on Sunday.
The 21-year-old on the weekend produced her best surfing of the season to take down six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore on her way to the semi-final of the Maui Pro.
While her rush to the final was halted by eventual Maui Pro winner Tyler Wright in their semi clash, Andrew showed she has the talent to be a major force on the tour next year with her third place finish.
“To get to show my best surfing yet was really great. I proved to myself that I belong here,’’ Andrew said from Hawaii.
“It was a tough year so it’s nice to know that I’m capable of getting into the semi-finals and I hope to take that confidence through to Snapper (first event of 2017).
“It’s very special to be Rookie of the Year — it’s a once-in-a lifetime thing and I grateful that I’ve put my name on that list.
“To show my best surfing yet is a petty good way to end the year.”
Andrew, 21, earlier this year claimed a memorable win over triple world champion Carissa Moore at the US Open of surfing.
The top finish in Hawaii has also secured Andrew a spot on next year’s world tour.
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