Picklum joins Australian greats as world surf champion

NATHAN RIVALLAND WITH AAP

THE team at Rip Curl in Torquay are popping the champagne following their golden girl Molly Picklum becoming Australia’s newest world surfing champion

The NSW Central Coast surfer and Rip Curl team-rider stormed to victory today (Tuesday, September 2) in the World Surf League Finals in Fiji.

Picklum faced 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the title match, with the American eliminating three rivals earlier on Tuesday en route to the decider at Cloudbreak.

 

“Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m world champion,” said Picklum, who was draped in an Australian flag while still out in the water.

“I didn’t make it easy for myself and I was pretty excited and made it hard, but I just locked in and did what I’ve done all year and I cannot believe I’m the world champion.”

As the number one-ranked surfer Picklum had the chance to wrap up the world crown with victory in their first heat, as top-seeded Brazilan Yago Dora did in the men’s final against Griffin Colapinto.

Looking to follow in the footsteps of eight-time champion Stephanie Gilmore, who won Australia’s last title in 2022, Picklum was forced to go the long way round, with a first-up loss meaning the trophy was decided in a best-of-three showdown.

 

“Pickles” found her rhythm in the second heat, the 22-year-old looking far more comfortable as the swell picked up at the famous reef break.

She made a statement midway through the second heat, turning the final as she charged into a long barrel that earned her a top score of 8.33, which led to a convincing 15.83 to 8.03 victory.

With Marks tiring in her sixth heat of the day, Picklum got off to a strong start in the third heat, laying down an opening score of 7.00.

She backed that up with an even better ride, threading another barrel score 8.83 to set her rival a massive challenge which she was unable to rise to with Picklum winning 16.93 to 6.24.

“She like got me good, but I was still kind of there for the first heat and then, I don’t know, I just found my form in the second heat to combo,” Picklum said.

“And then to do it again, it just like really solidifies it for me – there was no ifs or buts about my year I’m so, so grateful to be taking the trophy home.”

It was just reward for an ultra-consistent year from Picklum, who won two tour events and only finished lower than fifth once.

Rip Curl chief executive officer Ashley Reade congratulated Picklum on her victory.

“We’re so proud of Molly and everything she’s achieved both in and out of the water this year,” he said.

“She’s an amazing ambassador for our brand and truly embodies the spirit of Rip Curl. Having been with us since she was a grom, all of us here at Rip Curl are so excited to see her fulfill her dream of becoming a World Champion.”