GILMORE’S COPYCAT
WORLD CHAMP’S BID
WORLD champion Tyler Wright has paid tribute to Steph Gilmore, saying she wants to emulate the feats of the six-time world champion out of the water.
Wright has always had enormous potential but the former Lennox Head resident has turned that into peak performance over the past two years, resulting in back-toback World Surf League titles.
The 23-year-old has also become more comfortable in her own skin in that time and wants to become the type of role model she believes Gilmore has been for her and a legion of other surfers coming through the ranks.
Wright sealed the world crown when she won her quarter-final at the Maui Pro in Hawaii on Friday and was quick to pay tribute to Gilmore.
“A massive thanks to Stephanie Gilmore for being an absolute legend and queen in what she does,” Wright said.
“I think the career she’s shaped is purely based off who she is as a person.
“And growing up watching that, it’s definitely inspired me to do a similar thing.
“I hope for many more years that we get to run for world titles and be No.1 and No.2. She’s definitely shaped a generation of surfers, so a lot of thanks goes to her for being a lord.”
Gilmore was the last woman standing in the title battle with Wright this season and while she didn’t win the championship, the 29-year-old won their semi-final clash at Honolua Bay to ensure Wright knows she remains a threat.
And while Gilmore was thrilled for Wright’s success, she remains hungry not only to equal Layne Beachley’s record of seven world titles, but to pass that mark.
“I pretty much think I’m not anywhere unless I’m No.1,” the Tweed surfer said, reflecting on a year in which she finished just behind Wright at No.2 and won the first and last events of the year.
“That’s the way I like to look at it, it keeps you hungry.
“The No.1 spot is what we’re all here for. It was tough to lose (the title fight) but I also didn’t think I was this close to winning.
“It’s a tough one but I love being right up there in the rankings, be in the mix for the world title and the pressure and all of the excitement.
“The nerves, the drama … that’s what sport’s all about.”