Surfing as a wildcard at the Gold Coast Pro, Steph Gilmore ousts reigning world champ Caity Simmers
Gilmore, 37, ended more than a year out of competition by entering the event at her home break at Burleigh Heads as a wildcard.
After waiting three days to get back in the surf, the Australian legend went head-to-head with 19-year-old Simmers, who won last year's world championship and entered the Gold Coast event as the world's second-ranked surfer, in their round of 16 clash.
Showing she's still got what it takes to rules the waves, Gilmore's final wave score of 6.17 proved enough to hold off her teen rival by less than a point in a stunning result.
Earlier in the day, Australian star Molly Picklum continued to put the disappointment of an early exit at Bells Beach behind her with a brilliant round-of-16 win that propelled her into the quarter-finals.
Picklum delivered two eight-point rides to take down American Bella Kenworthy in her pursuit of a major win on home soil.
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7NEWS
19 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Campbell Graham vows to defy Rabbitohs' request not to storm field when Alex Johnston breaks try-scoring record
Campbell Graham's back injury has been so painful that the South Sydney centre struggles getting out of chairs and driving long distances. But it won't stop him being the first one running onto the field when teammate Alex Johnston finally breaks the NRL's try-scoring record. Johnston needs four more tries to pass Ken Irvine's mark of 212, but time is running out for the winger to enter rarefied air this season. The 15th-placed Rabbitohs host St George Illawarra on Thursday night for their penultimate game before facing bitter rivals Sydney Roosters after a bye. Souths officials have publicly urged fans not to storm the field once Johnston finally breaks the record, as supporters did when AFL star Lance Franklin kicked his 1000th goal in 2022. But teammates could be a different matter, with Graham keen to run through his pain and show Johnston some love. 'Absolutely I would, I'd try to be the first one there to cuddle him. Obviously it's a matter of when, not if, so we'll just see how it plays out,' Graham said. 'It's been a monkey on his back for a couple of years now. 'It's such a great achievement, not only in our game but in Australian sport to have a record like that. It really couldn't happen to a better person.' Seeing his mate break the record would be a rare bright spot in a tough season for Graham, who has been troubled by a bulging disc in his back since March. The 26-year-old initially needled up to play but has been sidelined since round 18 and will not line up again this year. The injury is unlikely to require off-season surgery but has nevertheless been 'pretty rough' for Graham to handle. 'Simple things like driving long distances is not great, getting up out of chairs, stuff like that. It isn't ideal, day to day,' Graham said of his pain. 'It does get you pretty down, even just day to day, dealing with a chronic issue like that. My focus is just to get on top of this, not only for footy but for myself as well. 'At the moment, the goal is to be back fit and training by pre-season.' Another disrupted year was a tough pill to swallow for Graham, who had been hampered by a sternum injury across the previous two seasons. The sternum issues forced Graham to withdraw from NSW's squad for the 2023 State of Origin series opener and eventually sidelined him from Souths' entire 2024 campaign. But Graham is hopeful his luck will turn in 2026, when Souths will fight to recover from a season of injury horror across the board. 'That's something that helps me in my mindset, that although I've had a pretty unlucky run the last couple of years I know things will get better,' he said. 'I know if I keep doing the right things, I'll give myself every chance to be fully fit by pre-season.'
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Bronco Ben walks like an Egyptian into NRL dream
Tough-as-teak Brisbane prop Ben Talty is the fragrance king of the NRL and fast asserting himself as a late bloomer rookie with a long career ahead of him. The 26-year-old former North Sydney Bears captain has been a barnstormer off the bench for the Broncos in their late season surge and off the field he is kicking goals galore. Talty has a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In cahoots with best mate and fellow Broncos prop Fletcher Baker, he is co-founder of Nefertum, a luxury fragrance brand that blends pure Egyptian oils with Australian craftsmanship. The name pays homage to Nefertiti, the famous queen of ancient Egypt. "Fletcher and I decided we wanted to go to Egypt one year but we didn't have the idea of going and setting up a fragrance business," Talty grinned. "My mother told me to go and try out an oil shop, and we did that at a couple of shops over there. "We kept in touch with a good friend of ours over there, an awesome fella, and he's our supplier. He sends it over here and we just check it and sell it." What former Broncos hardmen like Peter Ryan, Tonie Carroll and Shane Webcke would make of it is anyone's guess, but you can bet your bottom dollar they would be in admiration of Talty's displays after getting his late shot at the NRL and vindicating coach Michael Maguire's faith in him. Talty, a Muswellbrook Rams junior, has scored three tries in his five NRL games this year after signing with Brisbane mid-season and brings punch and thrust every time he comes on. "It's something I thought that would never come true," Talty said. "I was working away at North Sydney. You play footy for so long and you get to a certain age and you start to question whether it's all going to work out. "I'm just fortunate enough that Madge (Maguire) and the rest of the staff and recruitment put a little bit of faith in me. "I grew up on a horse stud just out of Muswellbrook in the Hunter (Valley), so my parents had to always take me to training Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was a four-hour round trip, so being able to repay them for this and be in this position and make them proud, it's just such an honour to do that." Talty is on a train-and-trial deal until the end of 2026. The Broncos could upgrade that at any stage. Perth Bears fans are already clamouring for Talty to be a foundation player in 2027 when they enter the NRL. "All I ever wanted to do was play first grade, and the Broncos made that come true so I'm quite content with where I am at currently," he said. "The Bears will always have a deep place in my heart because they helped build the foundation of where I am now. "I'm still a long way from where I want to be as well. It's a great start, but I'm looking further ahead." Talty was a Newcastle junior from the age of 15 so can't wait to take on the Knights away on Sunday. "They helped pave the way. It should be an unreal experience," he said. Tough-as-teak Brisbane prop Ben Talty is the fragrance king of the NRL and fast asserting himself as a late bloomer rookie with a long career ahead of him. The 26-year-old former North Sydney Bears captain has been a barnstormer off the bench for the Broncos in their late season surge and off the field he is kicking goals galore. Talty has a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In cahoots with best mate and fellow Broncos prop Fletcher Baker, he is co-founder of Nefertum, a luxury fragrance brand that blends pure Egyptian oils with Australian craftsmanship. The name pays homage to Nefertiti, the famous queen of ancient Egypt. "Fletcher and I decided we wanted to go to Egypt one year but we didn't have the idea of going and setting up a fragrance business," Talty grinned. "My mother told me to go and try out an oil shop, and we did that at a couple of shops over there. "We kept in touch with a good friend of ours over there, an awesome fella, and he's our supplier. He sends it over here and we just check it and sell it." What former Broncos hardmen like Peter Ryan, Tonie Carroll and Shane Webcke would make of it is anyone's guess, but you can bet your bottom dollar they would be in admiration of Talty's displays after getting his late shot at the NRL and vindicating coach Michael Maguire's faith in him. Talty, a Muswellbrook Rams junior, has scored three tries in his five NRL games this year after signing with Brisbane mid-season and brings punch and thrust every time he comes on. "It's something I thought that would never come true," Talty said. "I was working away at North Sydney. You play footy for so long and you get to a certain age and you start to question whether it's all going to work out. "I'm just fortunate enough that Madge (Maguire) and the rest of the staff and recruitment put a little bit of faith in me. "I grew up on a horse stud just out of Muswellbrook in the Hunter (Valley), so my parents had to always take me to training Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was a four-hour round trip, so being able to repay them for this and be in this position and make them proud, it's just such an honour to do that." Talty is on a train-and-trial deal until the end of 2026. The Broncos could upgrade that at any stage. Perth Bears fans are already clamouring for Talty to be a foundation player in 2027 when they enter the NRL. "All I ever wanted to do was play first grade, and the Broncos made that come true so I'm quite content with where I am at currently," he said. "The Bears will always have a deep place in my heart because they helped build the foundation of where I am now. "I'm still a long way from where I want to be as well. It's a great start, but I'm looking further ahead." Talty was a Newcastle junior from the age of 15 so can't wait to take on the Knights away on Sunday. "They helped pave the way. It should be an unreal experience," he said. Tough-as-teak Brisbane prop Ben Talty is the fragrance king of the NRL and fast asserting himself as a late bloomer rookie with a long career ahead of him. The 26-year-old former North Sydney Bears captain has been a barnstormer off the bench for the Broncos in their late season surge and off the field he is kicking goals galore. Talty has a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In cahoots with best mate and fellow Broncos prop Fletcher Baker, he is co-founder of Nefertum, a luxury fragrance brand that blends pure Egyptian oils with Australian craftsmanship. The name pays homage to Nefertiti, the famous queen of ancient Egypt. "Fletcher and I decided we wanted to go to Egypt one year but we didn't have the idea of going and setting up a fragrance business," Talty grinned. "My mother told me to go and try out an oil shop, and we did that at a couple of shops over there. "We kept in touch with a good friend of ours over there, an awesome fella, and he's our supplier. He sends it over here and we just check it and sell it." What former Broncos hardmen like Peter Ryan, Tonie Carroll and Shane Webcke would make of it is anyone's guess, but you can bet your bottom dollar they would be in admiration of Talty's displays after getting his late shot at the NRL and vindicating coach Michael Maguire's faith in him. Talty, a Muswellbrook Rams junior, has scored three tries in his five NRL games this year after signing with Brisbane mid-season and brings punch and thrust every time he comes on. "It's something I thought that would never come true," Talty said. "I was working away at North Sydney. You play footy for so long and you get to a certain age and you start to question whether it's all going to work out. "I'm just fortunate enough that Madge (Maguire) and the rest of the staff and recruitment put a little bit of faith in me. "I grew up on a horse stud just out of Muswellbrook in the Hunter (Valley), so my parents had to always take me to training Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was a four-hour round trip, so being able to repay them for this and be in this position and make them proud, it's just such an honour to do that." Talty is on a train-and-trial deal until the end of 2026. The Broncos could upgrade that at any stage. Perth Bears fans are already clamouring for Talty to be a foundation player in 2027 when they enter the NRL. "All I ever wanted to do was play first grade, and the Broncos made that come true so I'm quite content with where I am at currently," he said. "The Bears will always have a deep place in my heart because they helped build the foundation of where I am now. "I'm still a long way from where I want to be as well. It's a great start, but I'm looking further ahead." Talty was a Newcastle junior from the age of 15 so can't wait to take on the Knights away on Sunday. "They helped pave the way. It should be an unreal experience," he said.
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Australian motorsport community rocked by death of much-loved kart racer Joseph Bianchini aged 13
The Australian motorsport community is mourning the sudden death of 13-year-old kart racer Joseph Bianchini. The Griffith, NSW local was hospitalised on Saturday after his health deterioriated and flown to the Sydney Children's Hospital later that day. Karting Australia shared in a statement that he died on Monday. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 'It is with great sadness that Karting Australia shares the news of the passing of New South Wales junior driver Joseph Bianchini,' the governing body said. 'Joseph, 13, was transported to Griffith Base Hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning after experiencing a sudden deterioration in his health. 'Later that day he was flown to Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick where he sadly passed away on Monday, August 18. 'Joseph was a familiar and much-loved young competitor in our sport, racing in the Cadet and Junior categories across the country. His energy, passion and friendly nature touched many within the karting community. 'On behalf of everyone at Karting Australia, and the broader karting community, we send our heartfelt condolences to Adrian, Maria and Allegra along with the extended Bianchini family and friends during this very difficult time.' The news sparked an outpouring of grief in Griffith and around the karting scene, with Bianchini remembered by many as a kind and encouraging friend, teammate and opponent. It is the second tragedy for his family and the Griffith Kart Club, after Bianchini's uncle — also named Joseph — died aged 15 in a 2003 car accident. 'Words cannot express the loss. Griffith Kart Club has lost another part of its heart and soul,' Griffith Kart Club said after the junior Joseph's death. 'The Bianchini family is part of the very fabric of this club, both in the past and present. Joseph's cheeky smile, sportsmanship, kindness, speed and most of all the respect he had for everyone both on and off the track is something that is admired and an example for all. 'To Adrian, Maria, Allegra, and the extended family and friends our heart goes out to you all.' The elder Joseph Bianchini is remembered with a memorial trophy named in his honour, awarded by the family to the driver with the best attitude, sportsmanship and spirit. Matt McLean, a karting champion who also raced in Supercars feeder series Super2, was with the Bianchini family at the Sydney Children's Hospital. He paid a gut-wrenching tribute on Tuesday. Matt McLean has mourned the loss of Joseph Bianchini. Credit: Instagram 'My little Joseph. Spending your last few days by your side up until your final moments was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do,' the 28-year-old said. 'I feel so honoured to have been there with you and to have shared so many special moments together over your life. 'Words cannot explain how much this hurts, and I just thank you so much for always demonstrating the importance of looking out for those around you with complete and utter selflessness. 'This has left a crater in my heart, but I feel far more complete having had you in our lives even though for such a short time. 'It's only been 12 hours and I just miss you so much already. 'I'm so proud of the young man you had become, and making you proud has always been, and will remain, a priority of mine. Such a gifted boy taken too soon. I love you Coyote, fly high.' Wagga & District Kart Racing Club said they had been 'rocked' by the news of Bianchini's death. 'We send our sincere condolences to the Bianchini family and members of Griffith Kart Club during this tough time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers,' the club said. 'We will miss Joseph's bubbly and often cheeky personality, his sportsmanship and fairness on and off the track. 'The young man he was becoming was truly honourable and selfless. He was always offer encouragement to his fellow karters and would lend a hand to anyone who crossed his path. 'Your memory will forever live on. Forever racing amongst us. Fly High Joseph.' Joseph Bianchini was a keen swimmer. Credit: Griffith Swimming Club Griffith Swimming Club also paid tribute. 'At just 13 years old, Joseph's life was filled with energy, determination and a love for the things that made him happiest,' the club said. 'His passion for motor sport and go-karting gave him purpose, and his time in the pool was never just about swimming — it was training, preparing, building the strength he needed to chase his dream. 'Joseph was cheeky, spirited and brave. He had that rare spark that made people smile, whether he was racing, swimming, or just being his fun, kind and determined self. 'Vale Joseph — forever young, forever remembered.'
