Billy Stairmand

Billy Stairmand started surfing at the age of 9 and won his first national scholastics in New Zealand at the age of 13. He rose to international awareness when he defeated surf legend and 10-time world champion Kelly Slater in 2011, just one year after joining the pro ranks.

With the devastating loss of his mum four years ago his path to sporting success took a detour, but winners always find their way back. He turned his mindset and performances around, and in 2017 he broke a 30-year-old record to win his sixth national championship. In 2021 after recovering from a knee injury he won again to record an unprecedented eighth national title. Billy is set to make history as the sport of surfing debuts at the Olympic Games.