Golden Girl Steph Gilmore wins a Laureus Award
Australian surf queen Stephanie Gilmore has become the first Australian to win a Laureus Award since 2004, taking out the action sportsperson of the year title.
Gilmore, 22, has won the women's world surfing crown in each of the three years she has been on the professional tour.
She also got her 2010 season off to the best possible start with victory in the Roxy Pro at her home break of Snapper Rocks last weekend.
"To win the Laureus Award is just unbelievable, it's truly beyond my wildest dreams," said Gilmore.
Gilmore beat a six-strong field which included fellow Australian surfing world champion Mick Fanning.
The last Australian to win a Laureus title was seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley back in 2004.
Gilmore said that like Beachley, she was planning for a long career on the world tour.
"As long as I'm having fun, I think I can keep going for a long time," she said.
"I love travelling the world and all the experiences we get from travelling, surfing new waves and winning events.
"I think I can keep going for a while, hopefully do my thing and help and inspire young girls as well to live their dreams."
Fast Fact
Third Umpires are off-field umpires who make the final decision on questions referred by the two on-field umpires using television replays. They were ...
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