{"id":126441,"date":"2026-05-05T09:20:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T23:20:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tracksmag.com.au\/?p=126441"},"modified":"2026-05-05T09:20:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T23:20:52","slug":"tracks-talks-to-steph-gilmore-and-ethan-ewing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tracksmag.com.au\/tracks-talks-to-steph-gilmore-and-ethan-ewing","title":{"rendered":"Tracks Talks to Steph Gilmore and Ethan Ewing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It was a glorious day for Australian surfing as Steph Gilmore and Ethan Ewing claimed victory in front of the roaring Gold Coast masses. After disappointing finishes in the first two events, both Steph and Ethan needed a good result. For Steph it validated a comeback at age 38 and confirmed she could still mix it with the next generation of surfers – twenty one years after her first triumph at Snapper Rocks in 2005. For Ethan Ewing, the result catapulted him into the world title race he deserves to be a part of. It was also a win for the WSL who had been wave-starved on the Australian leg until Snapper reeled for four days straight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tracks caught up with Steph and Ethan in the wake of their stunning victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Beatriz Ryder\/WSL.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Steph Gilmore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In those high-pressure moments, do you ever think back to when you were younger surfing at home? Does that help ground you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, it\u2019s more about gratitude. Even during the final or any heat, I\u2019d paddle back out and not even think about the scores – I didn\u2019t know what I got or what Luana needed. I\u2019d just look back at the beach and feel in awe of the opportunity to compete in front of that crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That feeling of gratitude really puts me in a positive mindset. It helps me stay present and focused. If something goes wrong, it\u2019s okay – just a small mistake. You paddle back out, wait for the next wave and keep going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being at home definitely helps, but surfing itself is special. The ocean is such a spiritual place. Compared to other sports – like tennis, golf, or basketball – we\u2019re lucky. The ocean naturally gives you that sense of calm and clarity. It\u2019s something we can tap into whether we\u2019re competing or free surfing. That\u2019s what makes surfing so unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you learn anything during your time off that surprised you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not really – I kind of expected how I\u2019d feel. I knew I\u2019d take time off and then feel jealous watching the other women compete. I could see the level rising, watching them charge at Pipe and put on amazing performances and I just wanted to be part of it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was almost like an ego check – realising how much I still wanted it. And in the end, that\u2019s what I learned: I still want to compete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were moments where I thought about stepping away, but I\u2019m a competitor. I love being challenged and I think that\u2019s important – pushing yourself helps you grow. So coming back felt right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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