- Stephanie Gilmore, 36, will not compete on the 2025 WSL tour
- The eight-time world champion wants to 'heal his injuries'
- The Australian won her first world title as a rookie in 2007.
Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore's professional surfing future is at stake after the Australian aborted her return to the circuit days before the start of the season.
It comes as reigning World Surf League men's champion John John Florence also steps away from full-time competition as he takes on new projects, vowing to return to chase a fourth world crown next year.
The WSL says Gilmore, 36, will receive the wild card for the 2026 season, just as he received the wild card for the 2025 season, allowing him to return to full-time competition next year if he chooses.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to take another season off the WSL Tour,” Gilmore said in a statement.
'This time will allow me to focus on healing from some nagging injuries and redirect my energy to continue my surfing adventures around the world.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my sponsors and wish all athletes on the circuit the best of luck this season.”
Stephanie Gilmore's professional surfing future is at stake after the eight-time world champion aborted her return to the WSL Tour just days before the start of the season.
Gilmore, 36, has chosen to “focus on healing some nagging injuries” and will also explore other projects.
One of only three surfers to win a world title in her rookie year, Gilmore won in five of her first six seasons between 2007 and 2012 before adding titles in 2014, 2018 and then rallying from fifth place in the revamped finals format. to claim an eighth. title in 2022.
In 2024, he signed an eight-year deal with Rip Curl and recently launched his own clothing range and is part of the company's 'Search' project, which sees surfers chase waves in all corners of the world.
American Caitlin Simmers was world champion at age 18 in Gilmore's absence, while fellow Australian Molly Picklum (22) and Canadian Erin Brooks (17) represent the next generation.
Competing with them has moved compatriot Sally Fitzgibbons, who won the Championship Tour again at age 34, and could yet do the same for Gilmore.
“I thought, 'Man, I wish I was there, what am I doing?'” Gilmore said recently on the Howie Games podcast.
'It was an interesting feeling, but I liked it, because I must still want to do it.
'If I still want to be there, then there is something inside me that enjoys that desire to compete and try to push myself. It was a good feeling. It also made me think, 'Hey, maybe I could win nine (world titles).'
Florence, men's world champion in 2016, 2017 and 2024, will receive the wild card for the 2026 season after becoming the third consecutive man to take a year off a year after winning the title.
Natural player Gilmore won a world title in her rookie year in 2007 (pictured competing at the Gold Coast Pro last year)
“This year I will focus on surfing in a different way,” said Florence, 32.
'I'm looking to explore, find new waves and take my surfing as far as possible. “I will be filming some new projects and sharing my adventures along the way, and I intend to compete for another world title in 2026.”
Florence's spot on the tour this season goes to Alan Cleland Jr, who will become the championship tour's first full-time Mexican competitor.
Gilmore's spot on the women's tour falls to Luana Silva of Brazil.
Due to injury, Brazilian star Gabriel Medina has withdrawn from the first three events of the 2025 men's circuit, with the season opener in Hawaii set to begin on January 27.
Kelly Slater, 52, will make a wild card cameo, chasing a repeat of his incredible run to victory in 2022 at the same venue, just days before his 50th birthday.