WSL tour honours Gilmore
AUSTRALIAN surfing great Stephanie Gilmore’s name has been etched on the Walk of Fame at Huntington Beach, but what she really wants is to see that name etched on the US Open trophy.
With the first round of competition at the famous Californian break delayed until today because of small conditions, Gilmore joined an elite group of surfers who have a plaque bearing their names in the footpath opposite the beach.
The six- time world champion and retired former men’s champion Mick Fanning were honoured yesterday.
“It’s truly an honour to be here – I feel like the whole street is surfing’s icons,” Gilmore said. “It’s a special feeling to be included among such surfing greats.”
Gilmore, 30, has never won at Huntington. She leads American Lakey Peterson by just 2145 points on this year’s tour and is desperate for a breakthrough victory to collect the winner’s 10,000 points.
There are three competitions remaining after the US Open. Hawaii is the last stop in November.
Reigning world champion Tyler Wright, who is fifth, will miss her second successive event with the flu.
Gilmore says she is feeling the heat from Peterson.
“In the past I’ve been able to get a few wins here and there and relax between events but with Lakey right there in every single event I just can’t let off the gas,” Gilmore said.
“It’s whoever can stay consistent, not just in the quarters or semis, but in the final at every single event – they’re going to be the world champ.”