The surfing world has wrapped its arms around Sally Fitzgibbons after the Aussie was cut loose from the tour following a disappointing result at the Margaret River Pro.
Fitzgibbons was knocked out in the round of 16 in Western Australia, meaning she failed to make the mid-season cut to remain in the top tier of the World Surf League.
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The WSL introduced an initiative this year whereby the top-10 female surfers at the cut-off point would automatically progress, but Fitzgibbons wasn’t among them, and she’ll be forced to continue in the Challenger Series if she wishes to win back her spot on the Championship tour in 2023.
It was a shock development for the likeable star from the NSW south coast, who has surfed 108 consecutive events during 14 years on tour. But Fitzgibbons put on a brave face, sharing a positive message on social media as her new reality sunk in.
“The unconditional love that comes with putting on my jersey #89. Everything about this sport, the surf community and my dream keeps me coming back for more,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I felt every one of those cheers and hugs from you yesterday and hope I can reciprocate when we cross paths in your big moment.”
Fitzgibbons’ supporters in the surfing community — and there are many — showed their support for the 31-year-old.
Surfing royalty Kelly Slater commented on her post: “Legend Sally. I’m sure yesterday was a hard one but I have no doubt you’ll be back in a few months threatening tour wins and after that title.”
Fellow Aussie surfing star Stephanie Gilmore wrote: “You’ll crush the quey and be back for pipe no problemo!”
Lakey Peterson added: “Love you Sal. You Always bring the best out in me as a competitor and human. Loved every battle with you over the years.”
Courtney Conlogue said: “Love you Sal! A true inspiration to everyone out there. Keep the (fire) alive.”
Brazil’s 2019 world champion Italo Ferreira commented: “Love your surf @sally_fitz️” with love heart and fire emojis.
Fitzgibbons started with a bang at this year’s Margaret River Pro, defeating world No. 1 Carissa Moore on the opening day. The Aussie won the event in 2017 and has finished third on four occasions, but she couldn’t replicate that hot streak this time around.
Fitzgibbons began 2022 in a slump, bowing out of the first three events in the round of 16.
She has won 12 events in her career and finished second in the world championship race three agonising times.