World champion Steph Gilmore led an outpouring of support for fellow surfer local Bronte Macaulay who lined-up in her semi-final at the Margaret River Pro on Monday just a day after the tragic death of her brother.
The surfing community threw its arms around Macaulay and her entire family after confirmation her brother, Jack, also a surfer, had passed away over the weekend.
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Macaulay suited up and took on Brazilian Tatiana Weston-Webb, who won their semi-final and then defeated seven-time world champion Gilmore in the final to claim the crown.
But it was Macaulay, a WA local and part of a well-known surfing family, who earned the support of her peers.
“We really love you, the Macaulays, you’re the sweetest, coolest family in the world,” Gilmore said.
“Bronte, it was incredible courage to show up this morning, just so strong.
“We’re sending you all the love in the world, so I hope you’re feeling it.”
Fellow Aussie Sally Fitzgibbon was also among those who posted a message of support for the Macaulay family on social media.
“My heart is aching for you Macaulays. Sending all the love I’ve got to you guys,” she wrote.
The event was taking place just 20 minutes away from the Macaulay family’s Gracetown home, where Bronte grew up.
It had been unclear if Bronte would compete before she made the brave decision to suit up in her bid to reach her first WSL final.
Her father, Dave, who was also a professional surfer and ranked as high as third in the world in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, now works as coach for the 27-year-old Bronte, who is the world number 11.
He said “our hearts have been obliterated as our beautiful Boy is gone” in an emotional post on Instagram, which drew replies from Fitzgibbon and others.
The World Surf League will next move to Rottnest Island for the fourth and final leg of the Australian swing.