It was just three months ago that the 28-year-old was barely able to lift her arm to paddle, after a shoulder injury she suffered in Maui last year.
However, on Monday morning, she was back on top of the world after triumphing against the former world champion and gives her the yellow jersey at the halfway point in the season.
Congratulations @Sally_Fitz, winner of the 2019 #OiRioPro and the new @Jeep leader! 🏆@oi_oficial pic.twitter.com/pRfQzKFxS6
— World Surf League (@wsl) June 23, 2019
The victory marks her first tour win since the Margaret River Pro back in 2017.
“It feels pretty delightful,” Fitzgibbons said.
“Just coming in and receiving that welcome back to the beach, that was insane, and some of my mates cheering me up the beach and a big hug from my dad.
“It’s pretty cool to be standing here.”
The Gerroa local leads the world rankings on 32,580 points with Moore on 31,175 and Gilmore in third on 30,320.
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