Seven Australian Olympians have been recognised by the world’s best surfers as part of an International Women’s Day initiative at the third stop of the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour Portugal. The entire WSL Championship Tour are donning jerseys with names of the women in sport who have inspired them.
The athlete-led campaign celebrates sports greatest female icons, honouring those who have paved the way for women and includes seven incredible Australian Olympians chosen by some of the best surfers in the world as inspirational women.
Tokyo 2020 Olympian Stephanie Gilmore chose three-time Olympic Swimmer and Tokyo 2020 Deputy Chef de Mission Susie O’Neill, crediting her to be an incredible athlete who showed true passion for her sport.
In addition to selecting an athlete for her own jersey, Steph was also selected as a trailblazer in her own right by Brazilian surfer Filipe Toledo, who will be honouring the eight-time world champion on the back of his jersey.
Tyler Wright selected dual Olympian Sam Kerr, after being inspired by the Australian striker’s skill and leadership ability.
"I chose Sam Kerr, who is an incredible Australian soccer player," Tyler said.
"She plays for the Matildas and Chelsea overseas. The World Cup is coming up in Australia, so it's a big year; the Matildas have been doing an incredible job. I think Sam is an inspiring athlete, sets an incredible standard, and captains Australia really well."
Young-gun and currently the world’s no.1 ranked surfer Molly Picklum selected tennis champion Ash Barty, while Callum Robson selected Australian icon and Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman.
“I chose Ash Barty for International Women’s Day,” Molly said.
“She just owns her story and is super authentic. She is really amazing in how she holds herself and owns all of her decisions.”
Finally, Macy Callaghan and Ryan Callinan chose to honour Emma McKeon, Australia’s most decorated Olympian with 11 Olympic medals across two Olympic Games, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic skateboarder Poppy Olsen, respectively.
“Emma did us proud [in Tokyo], with so much grace and determination,” Macy said.
“My pick was Poppy Starr Olsen,” Ryan continued.
“She is an Olympic skateboarder who is just herself all the time, and that is really inspiring to me.”
Find out more and follow the action in Portugal here.