In a story posted today on Gold Coast Bulletin website, Gilmore said winning the prestigious award, the rough equivalent of an Oscar in the sporting world, "is right up there with winning world titles, and that's one of the best feelings you can have."
Gilmore was the lone female finalist in the action category and upstaged fellow Aussie Mick Fanning, who won the men's world title last year. She also edged big-wave surfer Greg Long, skateboarder Greg Cole, French windsurfer Antoine Albeau and British trials cyclist Danny MacAskill.
Gilmore is the first Australian athlete to win a Laureus award since Layne Beachley in 2004. And Gilmore, who has won a title in each of her three seasons on the ASP Women's World Tour, has only four more titles to go to catch Beachley, who won seven championships before retiring from competitive surfing.
Jamaican sprinter Usain was named World Sportsman of the Year for the second time.
Australia's Stephanie Gilmore (left) showers Hawaii's Melanie Bartels after winning the first stop of the ASP world tour. Photo: ASP/Kirstin
