<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lakey Peterson (USA) was the only women mathematically able to stop Gilmore winning the title, so after Hawaiian Alana Blanchard knocked Peterson out of the competition in round two, the celebrations began.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">During a WSL interview today, Gilmore said: “ I want to thank everyone at Roxy and everyone that has supported my career all the way to this point and the WSL for every single thing they have done for us, the women, it’s just unbelievable.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Surfing means everything to me and given me everything and it’s still my first love and gives me such joy, so to be able to come here today and be able to achieve this is so, so special.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gilmore ties Surfing Australia Chair and seven-time World Surf League (WSL) Women’s World Champion Layne Beachley who could not have been happier for Gilmore, saying: “ I am incredibly proud of Steph winning her seventh title and there isn’t any more deserving than her. She’s been in emphatic form and it’s great to see her win the title at Maui, one of her favourite stops on tour.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gilmore, when asked if she had any words for Beachley, said: “It’s an honour to sit alongside you Layne, you have been an inspiration my entire career and for so many other female surfers around the world so to equal you is amazing and an honour.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bede Durbidge,Surfing Australia Elite Program Manager said: "We are so proud of Steph for winning her 7th World Title in epic conditions at Maui today. She’s worked hard for this title and constantly evolves her surfing, so she thoroughly deserves her success. Steph inspires all Australians, not just because she is the worlds best female surfer but also because she goes about her business with character and courage, and is a truly remarkable person.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kim Crane,Surfing Australia National High Performance Director said: “Everyone in the surfing community will enjoy Steph’s World Title win today, it’s part of our vision to see dreams realised and we are excited to celebrate her success. Steph is the ultimate professional who plays to her strengths. She is genuinely grateful for all the opportunities surfing has provided for her. We couldn’t be happier for Steph and her support team, and have no doubt she’ll be an athlete right in the mix when it comes to Olympic selection.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gilmore takes on Johanne Defay in the quarter-finals at the Beachwaver Maui Pro when competition resumes tomorrow in Hawaii, the seven-time champion with a chance to end the WSL Women’s Tour season on a high in pumping waves.</div>