Steph Gilmore takes year off, rules out run at Paris Olympics

Surf star Sally Fitzgibbons will make a return to the World Surf League tour after a fellow Aussie and sporting legend made a shock announcement.

Tweed Surfer Steph Gilmore rips into a wave at Snapper Rocks. Picture: Scott Powick

Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore wants to go “free surfing” around the world after announcing she’ll be taking a break from full-time competition for the 2024 season.

But it’s not retirement for the 35-year-old, who won her eighth world title in 2022 in a stunning career resurgence. She will be given a wildcard into the 2025 World Surf League Championship Tour season after she fulfils some personal goals.

“I am planning to take this time as a refresh for myself physically, mentally and enjoy following swells and free surfing in new places,” Gilmore said.

“I have some projects and trips I want to do, which haven’t been possible while travelling during the season. I am still passionate and dedicated to competing, and I have goals and dreams that I am still chasing – I’m excited for this year to activate those and I look forward to returning in 2025.”

Gilmore’s decision also shuts the door on the Paris Olympics.

Fellow Aussie Sally Fitzgibbons will take Gilmore’s spot on tour having been next on the qualifying rankings after missing the mid-season cut in each of the past two years and could make a run at a second Games after competing in Tokyo in 2021.

Fitzgibbons was recently named on the Australian team World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico.

The 8x World Champion just announced she's taking one year away from the Championship Tour. We know she'll be back stronger than ever in 2025. 🐐

Link in bio for full details on our site. pic.twitter.com/R4F4O8aJVl

— World Surf League (@wsl) January 23, 2024

WSL chief of sport Jessi Miley-Dyer supported Gilmore’s decision.

“Steph’s influence on surfing and sport has been profound, inspiring countless people around the world. We eagerly await her return in 2025, where she will be welcomed back with the season wildcard, ready to continue her incredible legacy,” she said.

Gilmore is one of the greatest surfers of all time having started competing on the Championship Tour in 2007.

She has accumulated a record 33 Championship Tour event wins and, after winning her record-breaking eighth world title in 2022, earnt seven top-five event finishes last season.

Gilmore’s decision comes after long-time rival and five-time world champ Carissa Moore retired ahead of the 2024 season.