Steph Gilmore wins her fifth world title in Biarritz, France

  How good does it feel? A four-year dominance, stopped by a year of misfortune, rectified by world title number five in 2012. Where does Ms Stephanie Gilmore, 24 and from Tweed Heads, go from here? Upwards, probably. Steph opened her year by winning on the Gold Coast, then backed-up with a second place at Bells and another win in New Zealand. Two fifths in Sydney and Rio, and she found herself in the final of the Roxy Pro, Biarritz against Tyler Wright, facing the possibility of joining an elite five-or-more club that only Kelly Slater and Layne Beachley belong to. “This year for me was all about improving my consistency and having fun with my surfing,” Steph said. “From when I started five years ago to where we are now, women’s surfing has improved so much. It’s an honour to be back up top as these girls push me everyday and are all incredible surfers. “I woke up this morning and thought it wouldn’t happen today. But as the day progressed, and things fell into place, I began to believe it could happen. France is such a special place and having so many people on the beach watching us surf today is really emotional. I think I’m going to cry.” Hey, it’s your party.