Phipps wins maiden world title

A POINT Lonsdale surfer has achieved her biggest professional feat to date by winning gold at the Para Surfing World Championships.

Laurie Phipps was victorious in the Open Women’s Stand2 division at the international surrfing event at Huntington Beach in California last month.

The 22-year-old, who splits her time between Point Lonsdale and Hossegor in France, was able to win her opening heat by a considerable margin and never look back on her way to a dominant victory in only her second world title event.

Her divisional win also assisted France in securing the overall gold medal.

She said she was still pinching to have a world title to her name.

“It felt so amazing to win and I was so happy to be able to share it with my French teammates on the beach, and all my friends and family when I got home

“It was my second year competing in the world titles and for me, the best part is to be surrounded by so many inspirational surfers from different backgrounds and life situations, and to be able to all share the same love for the ocean and the sport.

“Entering into the event my goal was to get a better result than last year. I was third in my division in 2022, so I thought it would be good if I got third again, but amazing if I could have a better result.”

Phipps said the support of her friends, family, coaches and medical professionals was a big part of her win and had been integral since an overseas scooter accident had left her seriously injured in 2019.

“I think it’s teamwork which got me on the podium,” she said.

“My Dad in particular followed me around all year on the World Tour and was also my coach, shaper, caddy. He was a huge support alongside my mum, brother and sister.

“My prosthetics team also continue to make it possible for me to surf. It involves a lot of time discussing my needs, and trial and error to obtain the best result.

“The medical support who accompany this such as physios, doctors and physical coaches are also invaluable.

“Without all of this I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to come back to the world titles in the row and win.”

Phipps now has her sights set on the 2028 Paralympics with the aim of representing France again on an international scale.