'She looks disinterested': Stephanie Gilmore eliminated by Luana Silva in first pro competition in two years
Stephanie Gilmore's return to the waves at Bells Beach has not gone to plan, with the Australia superstar eliminated in the first round of the 2026 Rip Curl Pro.
It has been two years since Gilmore last hit the waves in competition at Bells Beach, having departed the pro tour in 2024 to explore options away from the sport.
Gilmore, a wildcard entry on Saturday, was sent packing in the first round after Brazil's Luana Silva delivered a fine display.
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Silva led throughout the entire heat, with her best ride scored 6.33 out of 10. She finished with a combined score - formed by her top two rides - of 11.83.
Gilmore, like many other veterans competing on Saturday, struggled to find chances.
Canadian surfer Erin Brooks admitted that Gilmore did not look happy on the waves.
"She is just starting to feel her feet a little more, but honestly she looks a little disinterested," Brooks said on the World Surf League's coverage.
Stephanie Gilmore in action at Bells Beach. World Surf League via Getty Imag
"The waves aren't so good but everyone is dealing with that. She needs a little bit more spiciness or match the way that Luana is surfing. (Luana) is feeling herself out there."
In the end, Gilmore could not outdo Silva, recording a total combined score of 6.10.
Silva finished second at Bells Beach last year behind Australia's Isabella Nichols.
The Brazilian star has been making a statement since joining the pro tour, doing so after being awarded Gilmore's spot in 2025.
She could not hide her excitement to have done well against the eight-time world champion on Saturday.
"I don't think I could have had a harder match-up ... she's the GOAT," Silva said.
Luana Silva speaks to reporters. World Surf League
"She had more to lose than I did, but at the same time these last two years, I actually got her spot when she wanted to take the break.
"I don't know what kind of situation that was ... it was like, 'oh thanks Steph, but I can't be your friend in the water'.
"I'm stoked, she's been my inspiration since I was eight years old. I have the most respect for her - she's just the GOAT, I love her.''
Silva revealed she was "fangirling" over Gilmore as she paddled out to the waves but quickly had to "turn it off" to focus on the job at hand.
"When I paddled out there it was such a pinch me moment," she added.
"The crowd is great because well, it is Steph at Bells. How much better could that be?"
(L-R) Luana Silva and Isabella Nichols after the final at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in 2025. World Surf League via Getty Imag
Australia's Sally Fitzgibbons also hit the waves on Saturday and secured her spot in the second round. Fellow local star Ellie Harrison was unable to join Fitzgibbons, falling to Lakey Peterson in the first round.
Only two heats were able to go in the second round of the men's competition on Saturday due to the conditions.
Australia's Joel Vaughan and Ethan Ewing were eliminated in that time while George Pittar advanced.
