REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Saturday, April 7, 2007

GOLD Coast surfing sensation Stephanie Gilmore said she wouldn’t look back in her bid for a first world title after rocketing to No. 1 with an emphatic victory at Bells Beach.

The 19-year-old Kingscliff product, who lived at Coolangatta, toppled the best surfers in the world to win the prestigious World Championship Tour event in its historic 35th year.

At the Rip Curl Pro presentation ceremony, Gilmore lifted the Bells Beach trophy over her head and rang the bell triumphantly. Only contest champions are allowed to touch the trophy to ring the bell.

It is considered one of surfing’s greatest achievements.

“It is a real honour to win this event, it really is,” said Gilmore.

“This bell is definitely going to be one of the most special ones in my heart.

“I am just so happy right now. I can’t believe it. I’m just over the moon. This is unbelievable.”

Gilmore was touted as a future world champion since winning the Roxy Pro WCT event on the Gold Coast as a 17year-old wildcard in 2005.

In 2007, she qualified for the WCT full-time, after competing part-time in the past, and made no secret that she wanted the world crown in her rookie year.

Gilmore was equal leader in the overall tour ratings with fellow Gold Coaster and former world champion Chelsea Hedges (nee Georgeson), who won the opening tour event of the year at Snapper Rocks.

“I’m back on track,” said Gilmore.

“To be world No.1 next to Chels is amazing and exactly where I want to be.”