Hold onto your surfboards, folks, because the legendary Stephanie Gilmore is making a comeback! After taking a break to explore her passions, the surfing icon is set to return to the World Surf League's Championship Tour in 2026, at the age of 38. This news has sent ripples of excitement through the surfing world, and for good reason.
Gilmore, a name synonymous with surfing excellence, has already etched her name into the history books. She's achieved more than any other woman in the sport, with a staggering eight world titles to her name. Her most recent triumph was in 2022, when she broke Layne Beachley’s record of seven global crowns. But here's where it gets interesting...
In the past few years, Gilmore has been enjoying a well-deserved hiatus, embarking on sponsor-funded wave adventures, serenading crowds with her guitar, and even launching her own tequila brand. This break allowed her to explore other facets of her life, proving that she's as multifaceted as she is talented.
Her return isn't just about nostalgia; it's a testament to her enduring passion and competitive spirit. Gilmore has been quoted as saying, "The last few years, I’ve enjoyed time off to do some exploration and other things, but I’m looking forward to heading back to the CT in 2026, and seeing how I compete against the young talent on the tour.”
We got a sneak peek of her competitive fire in May, when she received a wildcard at the Gold Coast Pro. She advanced to the quarter-finals, defeating defending world champion Caitlin Simmers, before ultimately being edged out by another rising star, Erin Brooks.
Gilmore's excitement is palpable: "I’m mostly excited just to see how I go in these challenges again,” she said. “When you step away from competing full-time, you can really switch off, and it can be hard to get back into that headspace, but I’m excited to feel that energy and that challenge again.”
Even during her time away, Gilmore remains a highly sought-after figure. She's secured a new, eight-year, multi-million dollar endorsement deal with Rip Curl, demonstrating her continued influence and appeal.
However, the competition has evolved. A new generation of surfers has emerged, including the current world champion, 22-year-old Molly Picklum. Gilmore acknowledges the shift, stating, “It will be nice to get back on tour and have a schedule mapped out for the year. It’s been fun, but I’m looking forward to getting back into a bit more of a routine, so we’ll see where that leads me.”
But what do you think? Can Gilmore, at 38, reclaim her throne against the fresh wave of young talent? Will her experience and skill prove to be timeless? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
