We love nothing more than celebrating the success of people from our local community. And one particular legend has given us great reason to do just that.
Nineteen-year-old Aussie surfing prodigy, Molly Picklum who hails from the Central Coast, has qualified for the 2023 World Surfing League Championship Tour (CT) via this year’s Challenger Series.
To understand the gravity of her achievement it is important to mention that only the top 5 ranked women in the Series qualify for the CT, and on Sunday at the Saquarema Pro in Brazil, Picklum secured her place among the world’s best.
For anyone who doesn’t follow the Challenger Series as closely as Nikki & I, Molly’s run this year has been nothing short of impressive and consistent. She has had a top 5 finish four times which includes her huge win at the Ballita Pro in South Africa.
The final Challenger Series stop is approaching this December, with the Haleiwa Challenger in Hawaii. In the lead up to this, Picklum is reflecting on what it took to get back on the Tour and looking forward to 2023.
“I’m so happy to qualify for the 2023 Championship Tour,” Picklum said.
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“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.”
And she has every reason to be proud of this achievement, you only need to mention her name among the surfing community and anyone who knows her will attest to her dedication and skill. No one more than her coach, another local surfing legend, Glenn ‘Micro’ Hall of Micro Surf Academy.
The 2023 CT kicks off with the Billabong Pro Pipeline in Hawaii next January, marking Picklum’s second time on the CT, after her debut in 2022 where she finished below the midseason cut line.
“The mid season cut was definitely tough but my goal was to refocus after Margaret River and make the most of every opportunity,” Picklum said.
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“I want to keep enjoying the journey and I’m excited to see where it takes me next season.”
In the lead up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2023 WSL CT is the top of the hierarchy for the qualification system to determine the world’s best surfers.
At the end of the 2023 season the WSL CT rankings will determine the 18 of 48 spots at Paris 2024 Olympic Games (10 men and 8 women).
The WSL CT kicks off at the Billabong Pro Pipeline and ends at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro, with stops within Australia, Europe, South America, South Africa and the US.
We look forward to getting behind Molly’s CT campaign and cannot wait to watch her success throughout 2023.
Good Luck Molly!
Molly’s sponsors include Red Bull, Rip Curl, DHD, Smith & Creatures.
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Congratulation!