Julian Wilson Wins the Rip Curl Pro, Peniche

Julian Wilson, from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, just beat Brazilian Gabriel Medina in the final of the Rip Curl Pro, Portugal. Jules pocketed a 7.83 early on and was chasing a back-up to overtake Gabs’ 15.37 total for most of the heat. And on his 15th wave (the last he could legally score on), with one minute remaining, he raced through a barrel and clicked three turns. “I felt like I got it, especially after my other wave that I got a seven on,” said Jules. “But it was really quiet down there (on the beach). I was trying to lip read what (the judges) were saying to each other up there.”

And then, the score was called – an 8.43. Tears dampened Gabriel’s face and the most golden of smiles lit up Julian’s. “I’m overwhelmed,” continued Jules. “I lost to Gabby on the buzzer in France last year and to beat him back on the buzzer is… I don’t even know how to describe the feeling, I’m just overwhelmed.”

“To win a world tour event is just unbelievable. I can’t really believe that I’m standing here having this interview after winning my first world tour event.”