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Gilmore Talks Time Off, Big Comeback
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After being sidelined with injury, the six-time World Champ discussed how she spent her time off, and getting back to business.

After a season that saw her sidelined by injury, Stephanie Gilmore is back and ready to fight for her seventh World Title.

"I hate losing," she said in an interview with the WSL. Truer words were never spoken.

This time last year, Gilmore was off to a solid start. She finished runner-up at the first two events, the 2015 Roxy Pro Gold Coast Coast and Rip Curl Pro Women's Bells Beach. But at the third, the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, things suddenly went south when she hurt herself during a freesurf. Visibly disappointed, Gilmore withdrew after Round 3. She went on to miss six events.

Gilmore Withdraws from Margaret River
After fracturing her fibula in a freesurf, Gilmore went on air during the 2015 Drug Aware Pro to describe what happened and why she was withdrawing. She went on to miss six events, more than half the season.

But now, after time to heal and reflect, the six-time Champ is philosophical about her time off.

"At any point in my career," she said, "if I've had a win and feel good and then I lose it the next year, it's what I need to get inspired and motivated to come back and win again."

Plus, not being able to surf meant that Gilmore sought out other diversions, developing other parts of her life. She traveled -- inland, no less -- for the first time ever and attended events around the world, including elegant parties like the Met Gala in New York City. Gilmore believes that being so active slowed her recovery, but it clearly didn't diminish her competitive spirit.

Watch Out, Top 17
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Gilmore dispelled any doubts about her injury status with freesurf clips from Snapper, home of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast. As if this wasn't enough, she lives across the street from the break. Top 17, take note.

"I was still watching it, making sure that the girls weren't getting too far away," she said.

That time off also meant she had time to bring her fitness up, beyond where it was before. "I've probably spent more time in the gym than ever in my life. You can't always rely on natural talent. I'm injury-free and ready to get out there and do my thing."

No doubt, the rest of the Top 17 women on Tour will be keeping a close eye on Gilmore when she paddles out at Snapper Rocks. You can, too: Watch her competing at the 2016 Roxy Pro Gold Coast live on the WSL website and app daily through March 21.

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