Gerroa’s own professional surfer, Sally Fitzgibbons, has made history today by becoming the first athlete to ever earn an individual gold three times in the ISA World Surfing Games.

This year the Games were held in El Salvador at Lo Bocana and El Sunzal surf breaks. As the last Olympic qualifier event for the Olympics, attendance was mandatory in order to compete in Tokyo. Sally is now aiming for gold at the Olympics, along with three other Australians.

She won the gold medal in the four person final with a score of 14.10 points, well ahead of Portuguese representatives, Yolanda Sequeira with a 9.20 score and Teresa Bonvalot with a 9.04 score.

“This event has been an unreal platform to test our mental strength,” says Sally.

“It’s surreal to be wearing the gold medal at the end of the week.”

The closing day

Sally first accomplished the feat in 2008 before earning her second gold in 2018. 2021 puts her in a category of her own and gives her a boost of momentum ahead of her Olympic debut.

“This is a great runway heading into Tokyo 2020. Just competing and seeing all the Olympians get their spots is great,” says Sally.

“Being on the World Tour, we don’t get to surf against a lot of the other Olympians. It’s good practice to go against them and spend time bonding with the rest of the Aussie team.

“Surfing has finally arrived as a global sport. It’s got the recognition now. It’s cool to have that as a milestone in my career.”