Australian surfer Molly Picklum is riding a wave of momentum in 2025 that has her standing at the top of the World Surf League (WSL).<\/p>\n
The Gosford-born rider heads into this week’s Tahiti Pro in a rich vein of form, making the final in the past three events, including victory in Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n
But when Picklum hits the water at the world-famous Teahupo’o, the crowd will be firmly behind a history-making 12-year-old.<\/p>\n
Tahiti surfer Kelia Mehani Gallina will become the youngest ever competitor in the WSL.<\/p>\n
Gallina will compete in the opening heat against Picklum and American five-time Champions Tour event winner Lakey Peterson.<\/p>\n
The pre-teen won event trials in Tahiti last month, earning a wildcard spot into the final event of the season before the finals.<\/p>\n
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Kelia Gallina is set to become the youngest ever competitor on the World Surf League Champions Tour. (AP: Gregory Bull)<\/p>\n
In an interview with ABC Sport in the lead-up to the event, Gallina said the waves she expects to surf at Teahupo’o will be bigger than what the 12-year-old will normally go for.<\/p>\n
“It feels really good, it’s exciting,” Gallina told ABC Sport ahead of her Champions Tour debut.<\/p>\n
“It’s going to be complicated, but I guess I’ll just go out and try \u2026 I’m pretty sure I’m good.<\/p>\n
“A little stressed out because Mollie is definitely one of my heroes. She’s also really good at the barrels, so it’s going to be an interesting heat.<\/p>\n
“I know Mollie really well \u2026 I can’t wait.”<\/p>\n
Picklum spoke of her friendship with Gallina during her own interview with ABC Sport, speaking about training with her last year in preparation for the Olympic Games.<\/p>\n
Despite being 10 years older and a role model for Gallina, Picklum said the young Tahiti surfer was an inspiration to the Australian.<\/p>\n
“It’d be cool if she was looking up to me, but in the same way, she inspires me. Her technique, and everything, in the barrel is so good.<\/p>\n
“She’s doing incredible things, and that’s, like, the next generation coming through.<\/p>\n