Australian teenager Sierra Kerr is riding a huge wave of success after winning the World Surf League junior girls world title in Oceanside, California.
The star-studded final featured 16-year-old Kerr, one of the sport's rising stars, and current North America Qualifying Series No.1 and event wildcard Zoe Benedetto.
A masterclass performance from Kerr, featuring signature progression and flair, provided a near-perfect 9.00 (out of a possible 10) ride after opening the heat with a 7.83.
Her American rival's excellent 8.00 kept her in the heat, but slower conditions tested the Floridian's patience and she didn't get the opportunity to challenge before time expired.
"That was the craziest heat," Kerr said.
"It's amazing to win. I feel like I haven't been surfing that good this contest.
"I went into the final just going to leave nothing on the table. I felt like I actually surfed good, so I was frothing."
American Jett Schilling claimed the boys' world championship. Schilling and Kerr earned spots on the WSL's 2024 Challenger Series.
"I wasn't even expecting to qualify for the Challenger Series. I forgot that was a thing," said Kerr, the daughter of former WSL talent Josh Kerr.
"That's insane. Thank you to everyone who came and watched, and everyone that's watching."
In 2022, Kerr established herself as a competitive threat when she made the semi-finals.
She continues to push the boundaries of progressive surfing, also winning the 2023 Australia/Oceania Pro Regional title.
She is now preparing for a big year in the Challenger Series, and is also looking for the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 Championship Tour.
