is competing in the World Surf League as a wildcard after a two-year sabbatical from full-time competition<\/a>.<\/p>\nSilva was runner-up to Australian Isabella Nichols at Bells Beach last year.<\/p>\n
She said Gilmore helped inspire her to become a professional surfer.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think I could have had a harder match-up \u2026 she’s the ‘GOAT’,” Silva said.<\/p>\n
“She had more to lose than I did, but at the same time, these last two years, I actually got her spot when she wanted to take the break.<\/p>\n
“So it’s like, ‘Thanks Steph, I can’t be your friend in the water’.<\/p>\n
“But I’m stoked. She’s been my inspiration since I was eight years old. I have the most respect for her \u2014 she’s just the GOAT, I love her.”<\/p>\n
![\"Luana](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5037a0db527d336319ef7a4d1c9e010c.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Luana Silva was a runner-up at Bells Beach last year. (Getty Images\/WSL: Ed Sloane, File)<\/p>\n
Silva said she focused on her own surfing but admitted to being in awe of Gilmore as they went head-to-head.<\/p>\n
“When I paddled out there, it was such a ‘pinch-me’ moment. Steph at Bells, how much better could that be?” she said.<\/p>\n
“I was kind of fan-girling out in the water before the heat, too, but I had to turn it off.”<\/p>\n
The new competition format means all heats are elimination.<\/p>\n
US five-time world champion Carissa Moore, also back in the WSL as a wildcard, won her opening-round heat.<\/p>\n
Australian Sally Fitzgibbons also progressed to the second round, but compatriot Ellie Harrison fell to American Lakey Peterson.<\/p>\n
The men’s second round followed the women on Saturday afternoon, with only two heats possible because of changing conditions.<\/p>\n
Australian Joel Vaughan lost to Brazilian Miguel Pupo, before George Pittar had a major upset win over 2023 Bells Beach winner Ethan Ewing in an all-local heat.<\/p>\n
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