Central Coast surfer Molly Picklum has surged to the top of the World Surf League rankings after claiming a powerful victory at the Rio Pro in Brazil.
The 22-year-old from Shelly Beach outclassed local favourite Luana Silva in the final, scoring a combined 15.00 with a standout 8.17 wave to secure her first tour win of the season.
Picklum’s triumph in Saquarema now places her in the yellow jersey as world number one, marking a huge moment for the local surfing community and for the young athlete, who learned her craft on the waves of the Coast.
“I’ve worked so hard this year to put my best foot forward,” Picklum said after the win.
“I’ve dreamt so much of winning here in Rio, too.
“I love the energy, and to get a win this year means so much.”
It has been a consistent season for Picklum, with six podium finishes from nine events.
Her win in Brazil extends her lead over world number two Gabriela Bryan by 5,000 points, setting her up strongly as she heads into the final events before the WSL finals.
Locals have long watched Picklum’s rise, with many remembering her early days at Shelly and Avoca beaches, training before dawn and often out-surfing her older peers in local competitions.
She will next compete in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, where she will wear the yellow jersey and continue her push for a maiden world title.
