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Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sky News AU
Aussie surf stars Robinson, Picklum triumph at Tahiti Pro
Australian surfers Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum have conquered monster waves in Tahiti, with Robinson's dramatic victory sparking emotional family celebrations. Australian surf star Jack Robinson's wife and son jumped into the water to celebrate after he came from the clouds to power into the world title shootout by winning an emotional event in the monster waves of Tahiti. Robinson's win came an hour after compatriot and world No.1 Molly Picklum sealed her own 'sick' victory with a near-perfect final display on a wave she once feared. But Robinson's triumph in the final event of the regular season, which propelled him to fourth on the rankings, came at a cost, taking the spot of fellow Aussie Ethan Ewing who was bundled out in the quarter-finals and fell to sixth on the rankings. Robinson needed to win in Tahiti to get into the final five who will compete for the world title in Fiji at the end of the month and the emotion was evident in the family celebrations after he stunned Griffin Colapinto with a 9.5 opening wave. 'I'm right where we're meant to be,' he said. 'I had a mission and I went for it. I'm very blessed to be going to Fiji. 'The whole event, I was just doing me, just free. I was free.' — World Surf League (@wsl) August 14, 2025 Picklum, who confessed to being scared by the monster break at Teahupo, where she contested last year's Olympics, put all fear aside to blitz reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers in the final. The 22-year-old was near untouchable, scoring three brilliant eight-point waves to start the decider, creating a break Simmers could not reel in as Picklum solidified her No.1 ranking ahead of the final-five shootout for the world title in Fiji at the end of the month. Picklum said she'd head home to Australia for a few days and get some new boards after 'breaking a few' in Tahiti, primed for her world title push. 'I felt like I earned my stripes this event,' Picklum said. 'It was sick, so nice just to make a few waves and not get flogged. 'What a special place Tahiti is, you just feel the energy. It's where the dream comes alive, I'm so happy.' Picklum's win came after taking out the Rio Pro in Brazil two events before heading to Tahiti and she'll hit the finals in supreme form. 'I'm so psyched,' she said. 'I'll go home for a few days, pack a few boards … I broke so many here, and head over there and enjoy it for what it is. 'I finished No.1 this year, it's a massive step in the right direction, and hopefully I can get that cherry in Fiji.' Picklum will be joined in the final five to contest the finals by Isabella Nicholls, who jumped into the contingent in Tahiti, taking the place of American Caroline Marks. Originally published as Jack Robinson storms into final five shootout joining Molly Picklum as Tahiti champions in epic Aussie double
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Aussie's ‘sick' monster wave win
Australia world No.1 Molly Picklum will take the ultimate momentum into her quest for a maiden world title after a stunning display in the huge waves in Tahiti secured her second trophy of the year. Picklum, who confessed to being scared by the monster break at Teahupo, where she contested last year's Olympics, put all fear aside to blitz reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers in the final. The 22-year-old was near untouchable, scoring three brilliant eight-point waves to start the decider, creating a break Simmers could not reel in as Picklum solidified her No,1 ranking ahead of the final-five shootout for the world title in Fiji at the end of the month. Picklum said she's head home to Australia for a few days and get some new boards after 'breaking a few' in Tahiti, primed for her world title push. 'I felt like I earned my stripes this event,' Picklum said. 'It was sick, so nice just to make a few waves and not get flogged. 'What a special place Tahiti is, you just feel the energy. It's where the dream comes alive, I'm so happy.' Molly Picklum barreled her way to the title in Tahiti. (Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League) Credit: Supplied Picklum's win came after taking out the Rio Pro in Brazil two events before heading to Tahiti and she'll hit to the finals in supreme form. 'I'm so psyched,' she said. 'I'll go home for a few days, pack a few boards ... I broke so many here, and head over there and enjoy it for what it is. 'I finished No.1 this year, it's a massive step in the right direction, and hopefully I can get that cherry in Fiji.' Picklum will be joined in the final 5 to contest the finals by Isabella Nicholls who jumped in to the contingent in Tahiti, taking the place of American Caroline Marks.
Sydney Morning Herald
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why Molly Picklum's first win in 18 months sets up a golden world title shot
An 'emotional' Molly Picklum has claimed her first Championship Tour victory in almost 18 months to shoot to world No.1 and set up the best title tilt of her career. Australia's highest-ranked surfer was in rare spirits after a breakthrough win in Brazil's Rio Pro overnight, screaming with abandon and accidentally smacking a friend in the face as she was chaired up the beach at Saquarema. Picklum has been the most consistent surfer of 2025 with two runners-up finishes and another three third places from eight events, but hadn't claimed a tour victory since last February. The 22-year-old Central Coast native has regularly claimed the world No.1 leader's jersey early on in recent seasons before tapering off come finals time, but her Rio Pro victory over Brazil's Luana Silva heralds a reversal in Picklum's usual tour narrative. With almost a 5,000-point lead over Hawaii's Gabriela Bryan and reigning champion Caitlin Simmers ahead of late-season events at Jeffrey's Bay (South Africa) and Teahupo'o (Tahiti), Picklum is well-placed to hold the all-important No.1 billing come September's finals in Fiji. 'I've worked so hard this year to really put my best foot forward,' Picklum said after her comprehensive 15 to 9.23 victory over Silva. 'Before I was going out I felt really emotional because I was just like, okay, I get another chance to try and get a victory. 'I've had early success in previous years and now to be getting it towards the end is definitely different. I'm enjoying the moment… It means the world to me to get these wins. They don't come easy these days, the women are so good and I'm so grateful.'
The Age
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Why Molly Picklum's first win in 18 months sets up a golden world title shot
An 'emotional' Molly Picklum has claimed her first Championship Tour victory in almost 18 months to shoot to world No.1 and set up the best title tilt of her career. Australia's highest-ranked surfer was in rare spirits after a breakthrough win in Brazil's Rio Pro overnight, screaming with abandon and accidentally smacking a friend in the face as she was chaired up the beach at Saquarema. Molly Picklum celebrates her breakthrough win in Brazil. Credit: World Surf League Picklum has been the most consistent surfer of 2025 with two runners-up finishes and another three third places from eight events, but hadn't claimed a tour victory since last February. The 22-year-old Central Coast native has regularly claimed the world No.1 leader's jersey early on in recent seasons before tapering off come finals time, but her Rio Pro victory over Brazil's Luana Silva heralds a reversal in Picklum's usual tour narrative.
The Advertiser
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Picklum in top spot after another World Surf League win
Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories. Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories. Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories. Molly Picklum has booked a semi-final spot in the Rio Pro and taken over the world No.1 ranking for the first time this World Surf League season. The Australian surfer edged closer to her first win of the season with a quarter-final victory over Peruvian wildcard Arena Rodriguez, who had previously upset top-ranked Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan. In tricky conditions with competition resuming after a three-day break, Picklum's two best rides scored 10.50 to best rookie Rodriguez, who tallied 7.17. Picklum's final-four opponent in Brazil will be either veteran American Lakey Peterson or Canadian teen Erin Brooks, with their quarter-final still to be completed. Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright (8.74) was eliminated by in-form Luana Silva (12.80), with the Brazilian now taking on 2023 world champion Caroline Marks in the other semi-final. With five semi-final appearances and two runner-up finishes, Picklum's surge to the top of the rankings is reward for a consistent season, and the NSW Olympian was excited to wear the yellow jersey at the next tour stop at South Africa's J-Bay. "That's the best news ever," Picklum said. "I got the yellow jersey early on in the year for the past few years ... I'm so happy, that's sick, especially towards the end of the year, and it's obviously a great opportunity for me. "I obviously heard all of the talk from the girls that I'm right at the top but getting knocked out ... I felt all that for sure, but ultimately I was just using it for good and to fire me up." Ethan Ewing is the sole Australian remaining in the men's draw but faces a tough quarter-final clash with local favourite and Olympic gold medallist Italo Ferreira. Ewing moved to No.5 on the live world rankings after scoring 12.63 to edge rising Australian youngster Joel Vaughan (11.14). "That was a grindy heat, the waves out there were so hard to surf, so it's good to get through those ones," said the Queenslander, who had to change his board mid-heat after creasing it. Fellow Aussie Jack Robinson (10.50) bowed out in the round of 16, falling to American Jack Marshall (13.00). Ferreira had the Brazilian crowd in raptures when he left the surf mid-heat to high-five fans on the beach after his lofty backside full rotation earnt a 9.33, which was the best score of the event. The 2019 world champion defeated American Crosby Colapinto, while Griffin Colapinto next meets South African rankings leader Jordy Smith after they both posted round-of-16 victories.
