Gilmore throws gauntlet
AUSTRALIAN surfer Stephanie Gilmore is happy to spice up her rivalry with American Lakey Peterson, claiming women surfers can sometimes be a bit too “nice”.
Gilmore and Peterson are in a close race for the world crown and have swapped the No.1 and No.2 rankings throughout the year.
Both yesterday advanced to the quarter-finals of the latest world tour event, the US Open.
Gilmore, a six-time world champion, is not shying away from the battle with Peterson.
“We’re trying to make statements to each other, or at least I am, because it’s important in a rivalry to do that,” Gilmore said after a heat win at the US Open. “This is new territory for Lakey. She hasn’t been in a title race like this, and I think she’s probably trying to make sure she’s just keeping to herself and doing her thing.
“I’m pretty comfortable in these situations.”
After the US Pro, there are only three more world tour events on the calendar.