Seven-time world champion Layne Beachley says she will be ‘proud’ if Steph Gilmore breaks her title record

Seven-time world surfing champ Layne Beachley says her record is just a “stepping stone’’ for Steph Gilmore on the way to Kelly Slater’s 11 titles.

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“SHE is my favourite surfer and I will be proud if she broke my record.”

That is the glowing praise from Australian surfing royalty Layne Beachley to Tweed Coast superstar Stephanie ­Gilmore.

With six world titles to her name, Gilmore, 26, is just one short of Beachley’s outstanding record but the matriarch of women’s professional surfing thinks a bigger prize is in her sights.

“Kelly Slater is more in (Gilmore’s) sights,” Beachley said.

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“I think I am just a stepping stone for her to beat (Slater’s) record.

Seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley says she will have no issue if Stephanie Gilmore eventually beats her record.

“I think the only rec­ord she won’t match is my six in a row although she was pretty close.”

Beachley acted as a mentor for Gilmore during her early days on the world tour and gave advice to the young Kingscliff girl after she won her maiden world title.

“At the start I remember she was asking me about coping with the pressure and performing with the expectations and dealing with the disappointments,” she said.

“I obviously provided her with too much intel because she has almost become unstoppable.

“I used to refer to her as the smiling assassin because she would sit around pretending it was all fun and games but deep down she was watching very intently and studying the veteran surfers.

“I must admit now if I have any desire to consider a comeback I just watch Steph (Gilmore) surf and think ‘no way can I beat her’.”

Gilmore, who defeated Beachley during their match-ups on all but one occasion, was also in praise of the women she considers her idol.

“Layne (Beachley) to me is one of the most iconic female athletes,” she said. “I really looked up to her and she gave me great advice when I was starting out.