Eight-time world surf champion Gilmore set for comeback / Photo: Sean M. Haffey - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
-
Rubio lands in Geneva for talks on Ukraine plan
-
Norris and Piastri disqualified from Las Vegas GP
-
Slovenia holds crunch vote on contested assisted dying law
-
Aonishiki beomes first Ukrainian to win sumo tournament
-
Holders Australia drawn with New Zealand in Rugby League World Cup
-
Vietnam flooding kills at least 90
-
Muthusamy's maiden Test century powers South Africa to 428-7
-
Myanmar junta says nearly 1,600 foreigners arrested in scam hub raids
-
US signals room for negotiation on Ukraine plan ahead of talks
-
Verstappen wins Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix, Norris edges closer to crown
-
Muthusamy anchors South Africa to 316-6 in second India Test
-
Vietnam flood death toll rises to 90
-
US denies pushing Russian 'wish list' as Ukraine plan
-
Harden's 55 leads Clippers win as Pistons streak hits 12
-
Kim's first top-10 in 14 years as Ballester wins maiden pro title
-
Gotham crowned NWSL champions after Lavelle breaks Spirit
-
Trump signals room for negotiation on Ukraine plan ahead of talks
-
Head shapes up as solution for Australia's opening woes
-
Tomorrowland bets on Chinese dance music fans with first indoor event
-
England slammed as 'brainless' after first Ashes Test capitulation
-
Slovenia to hold new vote on contested assisted dying law
-
'Beer tastes better' for Eramsus after win over Irish
-
No.1 Jeeno leads by six at LPGA Tour Championship
-
Neres double fires Napoli top in Italy
-
Bielle-Biarrey masterclass helps France hold off Australia
-
Pogba returns in Monaco loss as PSG stay top in France
-
COP30: Key reactions to climate deal
-
What did countries agree to at COP30?
-
Harden's club-record 55 points leads Clippers over Hornets
-
Amazon climate deal a 'win' for global unity but fossil fuels untouched
-
Boos, blowups and last-minute pause as a chaotic COP30 closes out
-
Farrell proud of Ireland after 'mad' Test with South Africa
-
Gaza civil defence says 21 killed in Israeli strikes
-
South Africa beat ill-disciplined Irish to end Dublin drought
-
South Africa's Marx named World Rugby player of the year
-
Ukraine, US head for talks on Trump's plan to end war
-
Newcastle dent Man City's title bid thanks to Barnes double
-
Brazil's Bolsonaro detained for trying to break ankle bracelet and flee
-
Slot takes blame after Liverpool stunned by Forest
-
Lampard hails 'outstanding' Coventry after comeback win over West Brom
-
Thousands rally in France after murder linked to anti-drug activism
-
Geopolitical fractures and Ukraine worries sap G20 summit
-
Robertson praises reshuffled All Blacks after Wales mauling
-
Spain to face Italy in Davis Cup final
-
Ukraine, US to hold Geneva talks on Trump's plan to end war
-
Lewandowski will remember scoring first goal at new Camp Nou 'forever'
-
Thousands march in France to demand action on violence against women
-
S.Africa G20 declaration highlights: minerals, debt, climate
-
Barca thrash Athletic to inaugurate rebuilt Camp Nou in style
-
Forest beat Liverpool to add to English champions' woes
Eight-time world surf champion Gilmore set for comeback
Surfing great Stephanie Gilmore said Wednesday she was coming out of retirement in a bid to win a record ninth world title.
The 37-year-old Australian stepped away from the World Surf League two years ago but has accepted a wildcard for the 2026 season.
Her last world title came in 2022 when she surpassed the seven won by fellow Australian Layne Beachley, who is now retired.
To win another she will have to topple Australia's newest world champion, Molly Picklum.
"The last few years I've enjoyed time off to do some exploration and other things," said Gilmore, whose 34 event wins is second only to men's legend Kelly Slater.
"But I'm looking forward to heading back to the CT (Championship Tour) in 2026 and seeing how I compete against the young talent.
"I'm mostly excited just to see how I go in these challenges again.
"When you step away from competing full-time, you can really switch off, and it can be hard to get back into that headspace, but I'm excited to feel that energy and that challenge again," she added.
Gilmore will make her competitive return at stop one of the 2026 Championship Tour at Bells Beach in Australia in April, an event she has won four times.
B.Khalifa--SF-PST
