Phyllis O’Donnell, the pioneering Australian surfer who made history as the first-ever Women’s World Surfing Champion in 1964, has passed away at the age of 87.
O’Donnell, a dominant force in the sport throughout the 1960s and 1970s, rose to international prominence with her landmark victory at Manly Beach, where she triumphed over American surfer Linda Benson to claim the inaugural World Championship title. O’Donnell shared the historic honor with Bernard “Midget” Farrelly, who was crowned the first men’s World Champion at the same event.
In a tribute shared on social media, eight-time Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore, also from Australia, remembered O’Donnell’s legacy. “Phyllis O’Donnell, 1964 World Surfing Champion. She handed me my first-ever championship tour victory trophy back in 2005. Forever a cheeky grom. Lots of love to the O’Donnell family,” Gilmore wrote.
O’Donnell’s path to surfing greatness was unconventional. Born in 1937 in Sydney, she did not start surfing until the age of 23. Just four years later, she stunned the surfing world by winning the Australian National Titles. Shortly after, she made history at the 1964 World Championships, defeating the highly regarded Benson to become the sport’s first female world champion.
Her success continued throughout the decade. In 1965, she defended her Australian National Title, and in 1966, she earned third place at both the Makaha International and the Australian Nationals. O’Donnell placed third again at the World Championships in 1968 and finished in the top five at various national competitions until the early 1970s.
Despite her unassuming stature—standing just 5’2”—O’Donnell was known for her fierce competitiveness in the water. In a 2001 interview, she reflected on her aggressive approach to surfing, saying, “I was horribly, horribly aggressive, and I swore like a trooper.”
O’Donnell’s legacy extends far beyond her competition wins. She is remembered not only for her skill but also for the trail she blazed for future generations of female surfers, inspiring athletes like Gilmore and countless others to follow in her wake.
Phyllis O’Donnell’s contribution to the sport of surfing was immeasurable, and she leaves behind a lasting impact on the global surfing community. Rest in peace, Phyllis. Your legacy lives on.
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