Gold Coast, Australia – Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore proved her competitive edge is still razor sharp, defeating reigning world champion Caity Simmers in a much-anticipated generational clash at the Gold Coast Pro on Thursday.
Competing in her first World Surf League event in nearly two years, the 37-year-old Australian edged out 19-year-old American Simmers with a score of 12.84 to 12.50 in the round of 16 at Burleigh Heads. Simmers fell during a key moment in the heat, giving Gilmore the upper hand in the closely fought contest.
“Caity’s one of my favorite surfers—she’s the current world champion and probably everyone’s favorite,” said Gilmore, who entered the event as a wildcard. “She’s unpredictable, fluid, and really exciting to watch.”
Gilmore admitted the matchup was intense but said it brought out her best. “You have to dig deep, come up with new strategies, and find ways to win. I really enjoyed it,” she said.
The day was marked by major upsets across the board. Australian veteran Sally Fitzgibbons defeated world No.5 and fellow Aussie Tyler Wright, while Brazilian Luana Silva knocked out Hawaiian world No.1 Gabriela Bryan. On the men’s side, world No.2 Ethan Ewing fell to wildcard Morgan Cibilic in an all-Australian heat.
Gilmore will face another rising star in the quarter-finals—17-year-old Canadian rookie Erin Brooks—in what promises to be another clash of generations.
Meanwhile, Australian world No.3 Molly Picklum bounced back from her Bells Beach disappointment with the highest women’s heat score of the day, earning a 16.27 to secure her spot in the quarter-finals. Picklum will meet Fitzgibbons in an all-Australian showdown.
Isabella Nichols, fresh off her first win at Bells Beach, also advanced, while Brazil’s two-time world champion Filipe Toledo stood out in the men’s draw. Toledo posted a standout 9.37 wave score and a total of 17.87 in his round of 32 heat.
The event resumed Thursday following a three-day break and is expected to continue through the weekend. Finals could run as late as Monday, depending on conditions.