"Stephanie Gilmore may have achieved more than any other woman in surfing, and has spent recent years on sponsor-funded wave odysseys, playing guitar at gigs to adoring crowds, developing apparel collabs and launching her own tequila, but she will turn back the clock in 2026. The 37-year-old, who turns 38 in January, will return to full-time competition on the elite tour after accepting a season-long wildcard to surf the World Surf League's Championship Tour."
"Gilmore has won eight world titles, more than any other surfer, and her most recent success came in 2022. That year her improbable finals victory took her past Layne Beachley's record of seven global crowns. But she withdrew from the tour in 2024 saying she wanted to pursue other passions, which have included playing guitar with rock group Spiderbait, and travelling the world for surf documentaries."
Stephanie Gilmore, aged 37 and turning 38 in January, will return to full-time competition on the World Surf League Championship Tour in 2026 via a season-long wildcard. She appeared at the Gold Coast Pro in May, reached the quarter-finals after defeating defending world champion Caitlin Simmers, and was eliminated by Erin Brooks. Gilmore has won eight world titles, with her most recent in 2022 when she surpassed Layne Beachley's seven titles. She withdrew from full-time touring in 2024 to pursue other passions, including music and surf documentaries, and signed an eight-year endorsement deal with Rip Curl.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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