Steph Gilmore has shocked the surfing world, with an all-time classic comeback to secure the 2022 WSL World Championship in California.
Heading into the final day of action at Lower Trestles, Gilmore needed a miracle to have any chance of getting her hands on the trophy.
The 34-year-old pulled off an incredible run to the finals, beating her first opponent Brisa Hennesey in the final 30 seconds of the contest, and going on to narrowly beat Tatiana Weston-Webb by a score of just 0.43 in another intense battle.
After her first two close encounters, Gilmore turned back the clock with a convincing win in the semi-finals to book her spot in the big dance.
The Australian advanced to the final as the fifth seed, taking on the current number one seed and heavy favourite to win it all, Carissa Moore.
In the early stages of the first heat, it never looked in doubt for Gilmore as she thoroughly outclassed her Hawaiian counterpart and walked away with a convincing win in the final – securing the world championship.
Gilmore’s win was monumental for her status amongst the greatest surfers of all time, her eighth title win etching her in history as the most prolific women’s WSL World Title winner.
She overtakes fellow Australian Layne Beachley on the all-time rankings, with whom Gilmore had shared a place atop the World Title leaderboard since her last win in 2018.
