The Door Is Still Open For Stephanie Gilmore
SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, USA - SEPTEMBER 7: Seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore of Australia at the press conference prior to the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2021 at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California. (Photo by Pat Nolan/World Surf League)
Stephanie Gilmore is staying alive at The SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro and keeping her chances of making the WSL Final alive as well.
Last year Stephanie Gilmore made history when she came into the WSL Final as the number five seed and won the whole thing. Gilmore achieved the impossible by surfing all day and defeating four of the very best surfers on tour. The win solidified her eighth world title. Now a year later, Gilmore is looking to repeat but is having a bit of a hard time. She is currently sitting in seventh place on the WSL rankings and must have a great finish in Tahiti this week to make the cut.
Gilmore has already taken out number six seed Lakey Peterson but still has some work to do. Right now American Caitlin Simmers is sitting in the fifth and final qualifying spot. If the reigning champ can finish above Simmers in the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro she can leapfrog her and move on to the final event to be held in Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California this September.
Stephanie Gilmore must finish above Caitlin Simmers in Tahiti
Gilmore is a seasoned veteran and knows how to win. She excels when the pressure is on and now is the time to make her moves. Teahupoʻo is a wave that is known for its power and size. As one of the largest waves on tour surfers were expecting a monster swell. On day one the waves were a bit underwhelming but hopefully, things will rise to the occasion. The next call for this event is on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 7 am local time.
Gilmore and Simmers have both advanced to the quarterfinals. Simmers will be taking on Molly Picklum and Gilmore will be facing Caroline Marks. If these two should make it to the finals it will be an interesting head-to-head to see who will move on and who will go home until next year.
