They don’t call her ”Happy” Gilmore without a reason. But less than 48 hours after claiming her fourth consecutive ASP women’s world surfing title, Stephanie Gilmore’s celebrations turned to devastation. Her remarkable feat in Puerto Rico, aged just 22, was overshadowed by the tragic news that three-time world champion Andy Irons had been found dead in a Dallas hotel room.

Steph Gilmore - new World Champion

Steph Gilmore broke two world records to become the Women’s ASP World Tour champion for the fourth time in Puerto Rico today.

Not only is the 22-year-old Australian the only woman to have won the World Tour four times consecutively but she is also the only surfer (male or female) to have a perfect record in the professional surfing world, winning every event since her rookie season – an achievement not even Kelly Slater can compete with.

Steph battled it out against Carrisa Moore in the Rip Curl Search final and commented:-

“I actually dreamed this one up last night,” Gilmore said. “Maybe I’m still dreaming. It’s been a monumental day for me. I mean, the best mindset to have in your heats is to be relaxed and calm, and after winning the title in the Quarters, I just felt really calm. So it worked out well and I think I actually surfed better after it was done and dusted.”

In challenging afternoon conditions, it was Steph who drew blood early on, locking in a near-perfect 9.80 out of a perfect 10 for a searing forehand assault on a rare clean righthander.

“I was just really fortunate that that wave cleaned up for me to do some damage on,” Gilmore said. “Even afterwards, I just couldn’t find a solid backup. Carissa (Moore) has been ripping all event long and she’s so dangerous. I was honored to be in the Final with her and to win it, just makes everything that much bigger.”