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North
Narrabeen, Australia (Sat. Jan 6, 2007) – After a putting a on a tremendous
performance in the one metre (three foot) Narrabeen beach-breaks Nicola Atherton
(AUS) has taken out the girls division of the most prestigious junior professional
surfing event on the planet – the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
It
was red letter day for the future of women’s surfing as the performance bar
was raised dramatically as the two finalists went blow for blow, displaying that
with their complete range of new school tricks and old school power carves they
are in fact the real deal and will go on to conquer great heights. 
For
Atherton, who finished runner up to Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) in the inaugural event
last year it was a well deserved win as she notched up an 8.17 for throwing down
some major turns. From there she never looked in doubt as
her foe Anali Gomez of Peru struggled to find a wave that would allow her to let
loose. 
“I’m
just feeling relief at the moment! I can’t describe how good it feels,”
said a jubilant Atherton. “I don’t think it’s hit me yet. I’m
just glad that it’s over and I did it and have got that thing off my back!
I’m a world champion [laughs]… I set out to do this and have been thinking
about it for six months. It is my last junior event and what a way to cap it off!” By
taking the win Atherton follows in the footsteps of her good friend and current
world number four Jessi Miley-Dyer who claimed victory here last year. Both
hail from the small Sydney beach of Bronte and Atherton claims that their upbringing
and their rivalry has been the driving force behind their success. “Bronte
is a tiny beach yet we tend to breed a lot of good surfers,” said Atherton.
“It’s a small environment which in turn develops some good rivalries.
Plus we’re surrounded by all the guys who always talk to us about our surfing,
which amps us up. Jessi has always been an inspiration for me so to follow her
in taking out this title feels amazing.” Of her fellow
finalist Atherton was fully aware that she had to be on her toes right throughout
the 30-minute affair. Having surfed against Gomez in other
events she expected the going to be tough despite Gomez’s relative anonymity.
“Anali is an amazing surfer,” said Atherton. “Not
many people know about her, yet she is capable of throwing down some 9.0 rides…
I’ve seen her go mental on her backhand before… she’s a fantastic
surfer and a great friend.” As for her being on stage
at the ASP World Champions Banquet in just over a month’s time… “I
didn’t know I had to do that!” squealed Atherton. “I’m going
to be a mumbling mess when I have to stand on stage with Layne Beachley and Kelly
Slater!” For Gomez, the runner-up finish is a career highlight
and despite going so close but yet so far to getting a win she was overwhelmed
with her result. “I’m so happy,” said Gomez
who speaks little English. “I would like to say congratulations to Nicola…
she did so well. Thank you very much Australia… I love it here.” Finishing
in equal third was event favourite Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Hawaiian up and
comer Coco Ho. Both surfed exceptionally well throughout the
early rounds and at the end of the day showed that if the waves had gone their
way they were definitely title contenders. Gilmore in particular
was emotional about the semifinal defeat but was philosophical that in the end
it would only make her hungrier for success. “I was just
floating around out there,” said Gilmore. “I was undecided about whether
to sit on the left or the rights so I sat in the middle like an idiot. But at
the end of the day this will just me hungrier.” Ho meanwhile
enjoyed her experience and with a few more years left in junior competition will
no doubt gain confidence and in future go all the way. “I
really enjoyed coming here,” said Ho. “And hopefully next time I’ll
be a little stronger and will do a little better.” | 
