© ASP / SCHOLTZ
Surfer Stephanie Gilmore secured her by beating out Melanie Bartels in the .
“I’m really at a loss for words right now,” Gilmore . “Mel (Bartels) is one of the most dangerous surfers in the world and has had my number on several occasions. Even on that last wave there, I was certain she’d got the score. I was blown away when they called it out and I’m rapt right now.”
It's the first time a surfer has won four consecutive titles since starting out on the tour. Gilmore began her championship run as a rookie.
“I guess I haven’t really been thinking about that,” . “But to hold a record that Layne (Beachley) or even Kelly (Slater) never got is pretty special. I never thought I would even win two, consecutive titles so to win four is a massive achievement for me.”
Here's a quick glimpse of the 22-year-old's resume:
Four consecutive ASP Women’s World Titles
ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie of the Year (2007)
Two-time Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Titles
15 ASP Women’s World Tour event victories
For more on Gilmore, check out our interview, action gallery , and lifestyle gallery by photographer Chris Burkard.
–Joe Spring