Central Coast surfing prodigy Molly Picklum has qualified for the 2023 World Surfing League Championship Tour (CT) via this year’s Challenger Series.
Only the top five ranked women in the Series qualify for the CT and on Sunday, November 6, at the Saquarema Pro in Brazil, Picklum secured her place among the world’s best.
Picklum, 19, has had an impressive run throughout this year’s Challenger Series, finishing in the top five four times, including a huge win at the Ballita Pro in South Africa.
As she begins to prepare for the final Challenger Series stop, the Haleiwa Challenger in Hawaii this December, Picklum is looking forward to 2023 as she reflects on what it took to get back on the Tour.
“I’m so happy to qualify for the 2023 Championship Tour,” she said.
“I’ve worked hard for this moment and feel proud to be back at the top level.
“There is so much talent in women’s surfing at the moment and I can’t wait to challenge myself against the best in the world next year.”
The 2023 CT kicks off with the Billabong Pro Pipeline in Hawaii next January.
It will mark Picklum’s second time on the CT, after her debut in 2022 where she finished below the midseason cut line.
“The midseason cut was definitely tough but my goal was to refocus after Margaret River and make the most of every opportunity,” she said.
“I want to keep enjoying the journey and I’m excited to see where it takes me next season.”
The 2023 WSL CT is the top of the hierarchy in the Olympic qualification system for the world’s best surfers.
The WSL CT rankings at the end of the 2023 season, starting at the Billabong Pro Pipeline and ending at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro, will determine 18 of 48 spots at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (10 men and 8 women).
Terry Collins