This was published 11 years ago
Stephanie Gilmore joins surfing's greats
Australia's Stephanie Gilmore has claimed her sixth world title after a nail-biting finish to the ASP women's tour at the Maui Pro in Hawaii.
The 26-year-old was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the season-ending event but managed to hold onto the crown when closest rival Tyler Wright failed to win the final.
The title win followed her triumphs in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012 and leaves her one behind Layne Beachley as the greatest ever women's surfer. Click through Steph's journey from rookie world champ to six-time winner.
The teenager was still at high school at the time.
She then won the Beachley Classic in 2006 as a wildcard invitee.
In her first full season on tour in 2007 she won eight events.
"Happy Gilmore" capped off the year with her first world title.
Showing that was no fluke she dominated again in 2008.
... and snared a second world title.
The Tweed heads surfer celebrated with men's champ Kelly Slater.
It was deja vu in 2009 when Gilmore again dominated.
This time sharing the honours with men's champ Mick Fanning.
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