Stephanie Gilmore, the eight-time World Surf League (WSL) champion, has confirmed her participation in the upcoming Gold Coast Pro after nearly two years away from the competitive scene. The 37-year-old surfer will compete with a wildcard entry, a fitting return to the event she has won an unprecedented six times.
Gilmore, who last competed in August 2023, took a break during the 2024 season to focus on her mental health. Although initially planning to extend her time off through the 2024 season, the return of competition to Burleigh Heads, a location close to her home, was enough to inspire her comeback.
“I’m super excited to have this opportunity to get back in the jersey for the CT’s return to the Gold Coast,” Gilmore shared in a statement. “I’ve been enjoying my time away from tour, but I’m still a competitor at heart, so I am really looking forward to clicking back into that mindset and testing myself after some time away from competition.”
The Gold Coast Pro will be Gilmore’s first competition at Burleigh Heads since her junior years. While she has a deep connection to Snapper Rocks, another iconic Gold Coast surf spot, she expressed excitement for the challenge Burleigh presents, describing it as “a perfect right point” that suits her surfing style.
Gilmore has a tough opening heat ahead, facing off against reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers and Brazilian standout Luana Silva, who finished runner-up at Bells Beach just days before the event.
The Gold Coast Pro, originally slated to be held at Snapper Rocks, has been relocated to Burleigh Heads due to wave changes caused by a recent cyclone. This marks the first time in over a decade that Burleigh Heads will host a Championship Tour event.
Gilmore’s wildcard entry follows a series of changes in the event lineup. She will replace Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb, while Spanish surfer Nadia Erostarbe steps in for French veteran Johanne Defay, who has withdrawn to focus on preparing for the arrival of her first child. Other wildcard entries include Hawaiian Ian Gentil, who replaces Gabriel Medina, and Sydneysider Jordy Lawler, stepping in for the injured Moroccan Ramzi Boukhiam. Callum Robson also earned a wildcard spot, with two additional competitors joining the main draw through the trials.
With the event set to kick off this weekend, fellow Australians Jack Robinson and Isabella Nichols will aim for successive titles following their victories at Bells Beach. Robinson has climbed to world number three, while Nichols has moved up to number four in the rankings. The Gold Coast Pro promises a thrilling start to the WSL season, with Gilmore’s return adding an extra layer of excitement.