As always, it was smiles from the 8x World Champ at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM Andrew Shield/WSL via Getty

Stephanie Gilmore Steps Away From 2025 Championship Tour

Originally posted on SURFER | By Ashtyn Douglas-Rosa | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 5:45 PM ET

About a year ago to the day, 8x World Champ Stephanie Gilmore announced she was withdrawing from the 2024 WSL season, stepping away from full-time competition to pursue other passions. And just this morning, with less than a week before the start of the 2025 Championship Tour, the GOAT stylist revealed she's decided to continue her pause from the jersey and withdraw from the 2025 season.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided to take another season away from the WSL Tour,” said Gilmore in a WSL presser. “This time will allow me to focus on healing from some lingering injuries and redirect my energy toward continuing my adventures of surfing around the globe. I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my sponsors, and I wish all the athletes on tour the best of luck this season!”

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Last year, Gilmore shifted her focus from chasing rankings points to chasing rideable points. She made her Rip Curl Search debut alongside Mason Ho and Tom Curren and the surfy masses thanked her for such entertainment.

Following Gilmore's announcement, the WSL revealed that Luana Silva, who just became the first Brazilian woman to win the WSL World Junior Title, will take Gilmore's place. Since Gilmore was already awarded the 2025 Season Wildcard, the WSL Commish gets to determine who will take her place–and they've awarded it to the young standout.

"Silva experienced her best season yet in 2024, placing in two CT Quarterfinals prior to the Mid-season Cut, which she narrowly missed making, along with a third Quarterfinal finish during a wildcard opportunity at the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona," the WSL announced. "The 20-year-old also made her mark at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where she advanced to the Quarterfinals. Silva closed out the 2024 season by winning the WSL World Junior Championships in the Philippines, the first Brazilian woman to do so. Initially qualifying for the CT in 2021, Silva has previously competed in the 2022 and 2024 seasons."

As far as Gilmore's return to competition? Only time will tell if the 36-year-old decides to don the jersey again in the future. Luckily for us Gilmore fans, she's got the option. Knowing how much Gilmore draws worldwide viewership, the WSL has already given her the 2026 Season Wildcard–should she decide to return once more.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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