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Sally ‘FIT’zgibbons Shines at Bells. Move Over Terry. Surfing has a new Fitzy. |
It was arguably the most complete surfing performance by a female surfer we’ve ever seen. Sally Fitzgibbon begun Easter Saturday with a comprehensive victory over Cocoa Ho, posting a heat total of 18.56. Her form was ominous. The only question was whether or not she could maintain it into the finals.
Against Steph Gilmore in the semis, Sally ignored the fact that Steph had got the better of so many of their past battles and last year’s world title race. Sally ruthlessly attacked the Rincon lineup. By the time the final hooter sounded, Steph was left floundering in a combination situation. The highlight of the semi was a wave by Sally, which featured two consecutive controlled tail slides, performed with uncompromising commitment. Once again Sally locked in a massive 18 plus heat total and by the end of the semi, one word summed up the situation – Momentum.
Frequently we see the best surfer of the event or the day eclipsed in a final but on Easter Saturday at Bells it wasn’t to be. Bolting to the lead with a commanding 8 plus opening ride in the early moments, Sally always looked in control. Carissa rallied mid-heat but despite her extensive repertoire of manoeuvres couldn’t find what was required to halt the irrepressible flow of Sally. Although she only managed 8’s in the final, if you were to judge the day as a whole it was unquestionably one of the best performances by a female competitor ever seen.
It took her three goes but Sally eventually passed the final test and hoisted the most coveted trophy in surfing above her head. Her long awaited first tour victory had come in arguably the most significant of events – the 50th anniversary year of Bells.
Sally’s superior fitness was undoubtedly a key factor in the victory and interestingly it is men’s world tour surfer, Dan Ross who is responsible for implementing much of Sally’s highly specific routine. Dan was wearing a smile almost as broad as Sally’s as she climbed up on to the stage.
Under Dan’s watchful eye, prior to each heat Sally goes through a series of exercises involving a swiss ball, which are designed to simulate the kind of manoeuvres she will perform in the lineup.
It’s early stages but on current form Sally would have to be recognized as a serious contender for the title this year. For last year’s runner up, finishing second just doesn’t cut it anymore.
