Sally Fitzgibbons can still do this, too. Photo: Manel Geada//WSL
Sally Fitzgibbons has had an illustrious surfing career that still isn’t over. She’s spent 16 years and counting on the WSL Championship Tour (CT), qualified for the Olympics, and won 12 CT events. She’s finished runner-up three times and probably would have a few world titles to her name had she not been born in the Steph Gilmore/Carissa Moore era. But now she’s adding to her already impressive CV, making a parallel move into surf politics while still competing professionally.
Last month Fitzgibbons was elected to one of the International Surfing Association’s two open vice president slots. She begins a four-year mandate as an influential figure in the future of surfing – particularly Olympic surfing – in the lead-up to the sport’s third appearance in the Games at LA 2028.
We caught up with Fitzgibbons, post-election win, to get a piece of her mind in her new role as ISA vice president – why she went for the position, what changes need to be made, and what initiatives she plans to put forward.
When did it first occur to you that you wanted to run for the ISA’s VP position?
The idea of running for the ISA vice president position began to take shape during my involvement with the International Olympic Committee Program Commission. As I worked closely with the team on shaping the future of Olympic sports, I realized how much I could contribute to the global surfing community. Surfing has given me so much over my career and I saw this as an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.
What will your responsibilities be as vice president?
Supporting the ISA president and executive members in strategic planning and decision-making, representing the interests of our sport, and working to expand surfing’s global presence. I’ll also focus on ensuring the sport remains accessible and sustainable while promoting its cultural and environmental values. Additionally, I’ll collaborate on initiatives to strengthen surfing’s integration into the Olympic movement.
What are the strengths that you’ll bring to the ISA executive committee?
My extensive experience as a professional athlete and my understanding of the challenges for both competitors and event management. Competing at the highest levels for over a decade has given me valuable insights into the needs of athletes and the dynamics of international competition. Additionally, my role with the IOC Olympic Program Commission has provided me with a broader perspective on sports governance and innovation. I bring a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and an unwavering passion for surfing and its growth.
What areas do you think surfing as a whole, or more specifically Olympic surfing, could improve?
While Olympic surfing has made incredible strides, there are areas for improvement. Enhancing accessibility and providing pathways for emerging nations to develop talent is crucial. We also need to continue refining the competition format* to capture the unique essence of surfing while ensuring fairness and excitement for athletes and spectators. Additionally, promoting environmental sustainability and leveraging surfing’s connection to nature will remain key priorities as the sport grows.
*(After a follow-up question, Fitzgibbons said she is not in a position to disclose specific changes to the competition format being discussed by the ISA executive committee.)
Do you have any particular initiatives or changes in mind that you want to put forward?
One initiative I’m passionate about is increasing support for athlete development programs in underserved regions to ensure that surfing’s growth is inclusive and global. I’d also like to work on strengthening the connection between surfing’s cultural heritage and its competitive future, ensuring that we honor the sport’s roots while embracing innovation. Finally, I hope to introduce programs that emphasize environmental stewardship, recognizing surfing’s unique relationship with the ocean.
Will you play a role in ushering surfing towards Brisbane 2032?
I’m excited to ride the Olympic wave into Brisbane 2032. As an Australian, a member of the IOC Olympic Program Commission, and (a member of) the ISA executive committee, I feel a deep responsibility to help showcase surfing on this stage. I’ll work closely with stakeholders to ensure that surfing’s inclusion in the Games highlights its athleticism, creativity, and cultural significance. This includes advocating for optimal venues, supporting athlete preparation, and promoting surfing’s accessibility to inspire the next generation. My goal is to help Brisbane 2032 become a defining moment for surfing on the Olympic stage.
I’ve gone about moving through the levels of sports governance just as I would in my surfing career. Knowing there are skills and learnings to develop in order to progress to the next level. My timeline and interests in that progression began with an appointment on the Australian Institute of Sport Athlete Advisory Committee five years ago. I’ve now progressed through to a seat on all the layers of the Olympic pathway and can form educated decisions based on a 360 degree view of the national and international levels. I’m riding my wave as a competitor to its full entirety, letting it take its natural course of duration and distance. My sports governance wave is building energy in the background and I’ll be ready to paddle in to catch it fully when the time is right. In the meantime, both worlds are keeping me stoked, loving life, and helping me to continue to learn and grow.
