Wonder Woman of the Week: Stephanie Gilmore

Not only is this week's heroine a Wonder Woman in the waves, Stephanie Gilmore is also an advocate for wildlife conservation and the empowerment of women and girls. Gilmore began surfing at ten years old and by seventeen was already entering international competitions on the championship circuit. Her wildcard status too was by no means a control variable. In 2005 at seventeen years old, Gilmore won at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast against some of the best surfers in the world and repeated the win in 2006 Havaianas Beachley Classic.

In 2007, Gilmore captured the World Championship title, but the win came with tragedy. Soon after, a homeless man assaulted Gilmore in a parking lot with a crowbar. The surfer fought off the man; but in the fight, the assailant broke several of Gilmore's bones. Many surf experts expected Gilmore to retire from competition, but the surfer thought otherwise. She healed her bones and returned to competition to win several events in 2008 including capturing the world title for her second year. Gilmore went on to capture the 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014 world titles as well.

Apart from shredding waves on the championship tour as a staple competitor, Stephanie Gilmore also is a strong philanthropist. Gilmore is involved with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society as an advocate for ocean conservancy and also works with the Australian Rhino Project that works towards preserving endangered rhinos by providing refuge in Australia. Gilmore also works with her main sponsor Roxy with the #makewavesmovemountains project which aims at inspiring and supporting women and girls in music and sport.