Steph savours the one she will never forget
WHEN Steph Gilmore opened her eyes yesterday, she did so with a sensation in her stomach she hadn’t felt for 897 mornings. Winner! “It’s definitely a breakthrough for my career,” the 29-year-old said of her victory at the Roxy Pro, her first World Surf League title since Portugal’s Cascais Women’s Pro in October 2014.
“You’re always pretty drained the day after an event … the (rainy) weather’s perfect to just cruise, soak it all in and reply to all the messages of support from people. It’s nice to just have a bit of time to take a breath.”
Gilmore celebrated her triumph at a Roxy party at the event site before “reconvening” with family and friends at a Rip Curl bash in honour of Quiksilver Pro champion Owen Wright. With surfer and friend Dimity Stoyle playing DJ, it was a night to remember – and reflect.
“A lot of them (her previous five Roxy Pro wins) have blended together … but I’ll never forget this one,” said Gilmore, who won six world titles from 2007-14.
“When you’re coming off a lot of success early in your career and go through a drought, you kind of lose confidence … you get a bit jaded by the travel. It doesn’t feel like it’s coming as easily. You think ‘Maybe I’m not meant to do this any more’.
“Then when you get these strong emotions from a win, it reminds you how much you want to be here and chase after something as big as a world title.”
The chase will resume when the tour heads to WA’s Margaret River Pro later this month.