She maybe be just 17, but Aussie 'super-grom' Sally Fitzgibbons, and ASP World Junior Champion, has broken the gender gap; she's just won the first ever Rising Star Award at the annual Australian Surf Awards.
Top of the Australasian Junior and the World Qualifying Series (WQS) Rankings, the Gerroa, New South Wales, local lass was presented with the gong the last night by Phyllis O'Donnell - 1964 World Champion and Multiple Australian Champion.
Stephanie Gilmore, was also honoured with the Woman Of the Year award, after she became the first male or female surfer ever to win an ASP World Title in their rookie year. Mick Fanning took Male Surfer Of the Year, after also winning the ASP World Title - having taken the crown from Kelly Slater, who'd been World Champion for eight years.
The event took place at the Twin Town Services Club in Coolangatta, currently home to the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro ASP World Tour - which is on a lay day today February 28. Keep up with the latest news, videos and photos online at www.aspworldtour.com/roxypro.
For more on Sally log on to salyfitzgibbons.com
Images: Simon Williams / SallyFitzgibbons.com
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