GILMORE'S GOT IT; 17-YEAR-OLD STEPH STEALS THE SHOW!!!

Wildcard Stephanie Gilmore, or "The Giant Killer", as Layne Beachley dubbed her after surrendering to Steph in the semis, has won the 2005 Roxy Pro Gold Coast event. Drawing and defeating World Champs left and right, the 17-year-old took down reigning World No. 1, Sofia Mulanovich, twice before finishing off the former first lady, Layne, in a heat called by some the best ever in female surfing. “It was amazing,” she gushed after the awards ceremony, “surfing against my heroes and beating them!”

Amazing perhaps, but the World Champion in her own rite (she currently holds the World Junior’s Title) proved time and time again, that she had the skills and savvy to nail the scores she needed.

An unprecedented number of spectators were on hand to witness those waves as well as the Boost Mobile Expression Session which found Ms. Mulanovich recognized and $3,000 richer thanks to some heavy barrel time. Gilmore ended up earning a little pocket change too—$15,000 if you’re counting. She’ll take home $10,000 for winning the Roxy Pro and a bonus $5,000 for scoring the Evian Longest Tube Ride.

Perhaps even more surprising than Gilmore making the final, was Chelsea Georgeson not making it. The heavily favored local lost her semi-final heat to Hawaiian Megan Abubo, ending what many were hoping would be a "Goldie Girls" showdown. Megan, who barely requalified for the WCT this year, walked away with runner-up honors, six grand and a ratings lead for her efforts at the Roxy Pro. “I’m really happy because I’ve never even made it past the third round here. I’m just stoked to make the final,” said Abubo. “It’s a good start to the year,"--and a great example of how much momentum women's surfing has gained! Congratulations to Steph, Megan and all of the other girls who put on a fantastic show at Snapper Rocks this year!