September 8, 2022: Surfing Legend Stephanie Gilmore Breaks Record with Eighth World Title Victory

On September 8, 2022, Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmore made history by securing her eighth world title at the Rip Curl World Surf League (WSL) Finals in Lower Trestles, California. With this victory, Gilmore surpassed the previous record of seven world titles held by fellow Australian surfing legend, Layne Beachley, cementing her place as the greatest female surfer of all time.

Entering the finals as the fifth seed, Gilmore’s road to victory was nothing short of extraordinary. She faced stiff competition in a knockout format, taking down some of the world’s best surfers, including Brisa Hennessy, Tatiana Weston-Webb, and Johanne Defay, before reaching the highly anticipated final against five-time world champion, Carissa Moore. In the best-of-three showdown, Gilmore delivered a flawless performance, winning two consecutive matches to claim the title, leaving Moore in a “do-or-die” situation that she could not overcome.

This win was not just another title for Gilmore but a defining moment in her legendary career, which began in 2007 when she won her first world title in her rookie season—a feat unmatched by any surfer, male or female. Over the years, Gilmore has built a reputation for her effortless, graceful style combined with technical precision and aggressive wave-riding, setting new standards in women’s surfing.

At 34 years old, Gilmore’s eighth title is a testament to her longevity, skill, and determination in a sport where younger surfers are constantly emerging. Her ability to maintain elite performance levels, adapt to evolving competition formats, and continue winning on the world stage has made her an enduring icon in the sport of surfing.

Born in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia, Stephanie Gilmore burst onto the international surfing scene in 2007 when she won her first world title in her rookie season, a feat no other surfer has matched. Known for her graceful yet aggressive style, Gilmore dominated the sport in the late 2000s and early 2010s, claiming four consecutive world titles from 2007 to 2010. After a brief gap, she added more titles in 2012 and 2014, tying Layne Beachley’s record of seven world championships in 2018. With her eighth title in 2022, Gilmore solidified her legacy as the most successful female surfer in history. Beyond competition, she remains a role model for the next generation of surfers, inspiring them with her technical expertise, competitive spirit, and passion for the sport.