Sally Fitzgibbons chasing place in surfing history with WSL win in Rio

SALLY Fitzgibbons can put her world tile campaign back on track while claiming a piece of surfing history with a victory in Rio.

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SALLY Fitzgibbons can put her world tile campaign back on track while claiming a piece of surfing history with a victory in the fourth round of the world league in Rio.

Fitzgibbons says she is fired up for the first offshore event of the year after mixed results in the first three events in Australia.

Victory in the Oi Rio Pro would also see her not only become the first female surfer in almost two decades to win three times in Rio, she would be the first ever, as no male surfer has even won twice in Rio.

Sally Fitzgibbons after beating Carissa Moore for the 2014 title in Rio.

Fellow Australian Pauline Menczer was the last to achieve the feat, winning her third title in 1998.

Fitzgibbons has previously won in Rio in 2012 and 2014 and if this two-year pattern of success holds then she’s set to repeat the feat in 2016.

“My results this year have left me with a lot of fire,’’ Fitzgibbons said.

“It left me looking for ways to improve.

“But if I have learnt anything, it’s the season is long. That being said I’m looking to fire in the next three events, hopefully starting with Rio.’’

Rip Curl Pro runner up Sally Fitzgibbons after her second at Bells Beach.

Brazilian Felipe Toledo and American Courtney Conlogue are the defending champions in Rio.

The lead-up to the event has been soured by controversy over polluted water and the dangers of Rio, where some surfers this week saw a man gunned down near the event site.

Tyler Wright, sitting in second place behind Conlogue on the world rankings, has the chance to secure No. 1 in Rio with a top performance.

Fellow Australian Matt Wilkinson goes into the event wearing the No. 1 on his jersey.

But missing from the Australian contingent surfing in Rio will be world title contender Joel Parkinson, who is out with an injured ankle.

Originally published as Sally Fitzgibbons chasing place in surfing history with WSL win in Rio