Stephanie Gilmore Returns to WSL Tour in 2026

Stephanie Gilmore, Australia's eight-time surfing world champion, announced her return to the World Surf League's Championship Tour in 2026 after a two-year break from full-time competition. The 37-year-old, who turns 38 in January, accepted a season wildcard, joining fellow former champion Carissa Moore in injecting veteran experience into the women's field.

Gilmore stepped away from the tour at the end of 2023, following nearly two decades of elite competition that included her record eighth world title in 2022. During her hiatus, she pursued personal exploration, launched a tequila brand with fellow surfers and secured a multimillion-dollar, eight-year endorsement deal with Rip Curl, one of the most lucrative in Australian surfing history. The agreement, signed amid the brand's efforts to highlight women's achievements, underscores Gilmore's influence beyond the waves.

"I'm really excited that I've accepted the 2026 WSL Championship Tour Season Wildcard," Gilmore said in a statement. "The last few years, I've enjoyed time off to do some exploration and other things, but I'm looking forward to heading back to the CT in 2026, and seeing how I compete against the young talent on...