Sun-bleached Bondy Rachael Tilly is riding a wave of emotion after claiming her second longboard world title.
The youngest-ever surfing world champion at 17 in 2015, Tilly returned to the podium almost a decade later at the World Surf League’s World Championships held in El Sunzal, El Salvador.
The Bond University Bachelor of Sports Management graduate ended fellow Californian Soleil Errico’s two-year reign in a thrilling best-of-three series.
After a hiatus in 2022, the now 26-year-old has returned to competition with a renewed commitment to the sport she loves.
"I can't believe it," she said.
"I've dreamed of having a second one, and it's been almost 10 years. I didn’t know if it could happen, and now I can’t believe we’re here."
Entering the event as the No.2 seed, Tilly faced stiff competition from Errico, who has held the title for two consecutive years, and Hawaiian powerhouse Honolua Blomfield, a three-time World Champion.
In her semifinal heat, Tilly delivered an inspired performance to edge past Blomfield, setting up an intense title match against Errico.
The two Southern Californian surfers traded blows in a closely contested final, with Tilly showcasing precision and flair to seal her victory in two straight matches.
Tilly’s connection to Bond University is just as remarkable as her achievements in the water.
It was a fascination with the machinery behind running world-class sporting events that led her to Bond University which she first discovered while competing here on the Gold Coast as a teenager.
While a student she balanced a rigorous academic program with her competitive surfing career, earning a place on both the Dean’s List and the Vice Chancellor’s List for her academic achievements and a University Blue award for sporting excellence.
Her studies also led to a unique internship with the WSL, where she gained hands-on experience in the industry she hoped to impact.
The university’s partnership with the WSL – with Bond as the Official Higher Education Partner – underscores a shared commitment to fostering opportunities for young talent.
Now a two-time World Champion, Tilly stands as a testament to Bond’s mission of empowering its students to reach the highest levels in their fields.