Four-time ASP Women’s World Surfing Champion Stephanie Gilmore assaulted and survives attack

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 10: World Surfing Champion Stephanie Gilmore poses with her award for 'Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year' in the Awards room during the Laureus World Sports Awards 2010 at Emirates Palace Hotel on March 10, 2010 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by John Gichigi/Getty Images for Laureus)

Four-time ASP Women’s World Surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore (22) was attacked by a man carrying a crowbar outside of the stairwell of her apartment complex. Gilmore suffered a broken wrist, cut on the back of her head and cuts to her hand.

Gilmore was rushed to the hospital but the assailant who escaped by bike returned again and was caught by Gilmore’s neighbors.

Gilmore recently won a historic third straight Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii and also has won the ASP Women’s World Surfing Championship title four four consecutive years since 2007.

Gilmore has released the following statement to the media:

There was an incident in which I was attacked at my property. It was a completely random act in which I was a victim in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is now a matter for the court. I have sought medical attention and am on my road to recovery in high spirits. I look forward to getting back in the water in six weeks. In the mean time, I’m staying mentally and physically fit every way I can. I have fantastic support from my family and friends and look forward to resting up for a fresh start in the New Year.