Eight-time world surf champion Gilmore set for comeback / Photo: © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
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Eight-time world surf champion Gilmore set for comeback
Surfing great Stephanie Gilmore said Wednesday she was coming out of retirement in a bid to win a record ninth world title.
The 37-year-old Australian stepped away from the World Surf League two years ago but has accepted a wildcard for the 2026 season.
Her last world title came in 2022 when she surpassed the seven won by fellow Australian Layne Beachley, who is now retired.
To win another she will have to topple Australia's newest world champion, Molly Picklum.
"The last few years I've enjoyed time off to do some exploration and other things," said Gilmore, whose 34 event wins is second only to men's legend Kelly Slater.
"But I'm looking forward to heading back to the CT (Championship Tour) in 2026 and seeing how I compete against the young talent.
"I'm mostly excited just to see how I go in these challenges again.
"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," she added.
Gilmore will make her competitive return at stop one of the 2026 Championship Tour at Bells Beach in Australia in April, an event she has won four times.
S.Gantenbein--VB