Stephanie Gilmore’s Unsuccessful Return to Bells Beach
Stephanie Gilmore’s return to the iconic waves of Bells Beach did not go as planned. The Australian surfing legend, known for her eight world titles, was eliminated in the first round of the 2026 Rip Curl Pro. This marked a disappointing start to what was expected to be a significant moment in her career.
It has been two years since Gilmore last competed at Bells Beach, as she left the professional tour in 2024 to explore opportunities outside of competitive surfing. Her return to the event this year came as a wildcard entry, but she was unable to overcome the challenge posed by Brazil’s Luana Silva.
Silva delivered a strong performance throughout the heat, maintaining a lead from start to finish. Her best ride earned a score of 6.33 out of 10, and with her top two rides combined, she achieved a total of 11.83. In contrast, Gilmore struggled to find her rhythm, finishing with a combined score of 6.10.
Canadian surfer Erin Brooks, who also competed on Saturday, commented on Gilmore’s performance. She noted that Gilmore did not appear fully engaged during the competition.
“She is just starting to feel her feet a little more, but honestly she looks a little disinterested,” Brooks said during coverage by the World Surf League. “The waves aren’t so good, but everyone is dealing with that. She needs a little bit more spiciness or match the way that Luana is surfing. (Luana) is feeling herself out there.”
Despite her efforts, Gilmore could not match Silva’s intensity, resulting in her early exit from the competition. Silva, who finished second at Bells Beach last year behind Australia’s Isabella Nichols, has been making a name for herself since joining the pro tour. She took over Gilmore’s spot in 2025 and has been steadily building her reputation.
In an emotional post-competition interview, Silva expressed her excitement at defeating one of the greatest surfers of all time. “I don’t think I could have had a harder match-up … she’s the GOAT,” Silva said. “She had more to lose than I did, but at the same time these last two years, I actually got her spot when she wanted to take the break.”
Silva also reflected on the unusual circumstances surrounding her opportunity. “I don’t know what kind of situation that was … it was like, ‘oh thanks Steph, but I can’t be your friend in the water.’ I’m stoked, she’s been my inspiration since I was eight years old. I have the most respect for her – she’s just the GOAT, I love her.”
Before the contest, Silva admitted she was “fangirling” over Gilmore as she paddled out to the waves. However, she quickly shifted her focus to the task at hand. “When I paddled out there it was such a pinch me moment,” she added. “The crowd is great because well, it is Steph at Bells. How much better could that be?”
Other Competitors at Bells Beach
While Gilmore’s performance was underwhelming, other local competitors had more success. Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons advanced to the second round after securing her spot in the first. Fellow local star Ellie Harrison, however, was unable to follow in Fitzgibbons’ footsteps, falling to Lakey Peterson in the first round.
On the men’s side, only two heats were able to proceed in the second round due to challenging conditions. Australia’s Joel Vaughan and Ethan Ewing were eliminated, while George Pittar moved forward.
