STEPH A WINNER IN AND OUT OF WATER
SHE may have just missed out on a seventh world title last year, but Stephanie Gilmore walked away a winner from last night’s World Surf League Awards on the Gold Coast.
The six-time world champion rocked the red carpet at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in a stunning strappy orange dress. She later walked away with an award for the best wave of 2017 by a female surfer in the final event of the year in Hawaii.
“Thanks so much for an incredible year, all you women are impressive and assets to professional surfing,” Gilmore said. “Thanks for inspiring me.”
Gilmore joined the world’s other top surfers, including retiring great Mick Fanning, to let their hair down before the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro world championship season openers start at Snapper Rocks this weekend.
Reigning men’s world champion John John Florence thanked his partner, Gold Coast model Lauryn Cribb, when he collected his award.
“She’s always been super supportive – and she’s helped me through some stressful situations,” Florence said.